Unregulated Food Stalls Raise Hygiene Concerns

The uncontrolled expansion of roadside food stalls in Tiruchi has raised serious hygiene concerns among residents. Vendors operate daily from temporary stalls and pushcarts, catering to a diverse range of customers with offerings that include pre-prepared meals and freshly cooked dishes.

Contamination Risks Persist Amid Rising Demand

Many vendors set up near vehicle traffic, exposing food to contamination from oil vapours and dust. Despite these risks, customers continue to support these stalls, noted a local activist. During peak hours, some businesses encroach on public spaces by placing plastic tables and chairs for diners. In central shopping areas, vendors frequently operate near open trenches, exacerbating hygiene issues. These roadside food outlets generate large amounts of solid waste, including disposable plates and cups, contributing to environmental concerns.

Proposed Street Food Hub: A Step Towards Safety

To address these challenges, the Tiruchi Corporation has proposed a designated street food hub near the new sports complex under construction on a 2.3-acre site near Uzhavar Santhai at Anna Nagar. “We have applied for a ₹2 crore government grant for this project and are awaiting approval,” a senior official stated.

Regulatory Challenges Delay Food Safety Reforms

The Corporation plans to regulate roadside eateries by defining vending and non-vending zones in collaboration with traffic police, state and central highway departments, and elected members of the vending committee. However, the implementation of these rules depends on the delayed vending committee elections.

Earlier, the Food Safety Department proposed a street food hub at the Chathiram bus stand as part of a nationwide FSSAI initiative to organize street food vendors. The project was later moved to V.O.C. Road near the Central bus stand to better serve transient passengers. Despite these efforts, the proposal was ultimately abandoned in September. The hygiene risks posed by unregulated street food vendors underline the urgent need for stricter enforcement of food safety measures in Tiruchi. The proposed street food hub and regulatory framework could help address these challenges, provided funding and elections move forward without further delays.

Source: The Hindu