UP Government’s Ordinances on Food Safety and Contamination | 16 Oct 2024

Why in News?

The Uttar Pradesh government recently proposed two ordinances to address growing concerns over food contamination and anti-social activities in the food industry, spurred by a series of incidents involving contamination by human waste.

Key Points

  • New Food Ordinances:
    • Prevention of Pseudo and Anti-Harmony Activities and Prohibition of Spitting Ordinance 2024.
    • Uttar Pradesh Prevention of Contamination in Food (Consumer Right to Know) Ordinance 2024.
    • These ordinances are designed to make food contamination by spitting or mixing human waste a cognizable and non-bailable offense.
  • Ordinance to Address “Anti-Social Elements” and "Illegal Citizens":
    • The ordinances will include provisions to take strict action against food establishment employees confirmed to be “illegal foreign citizens.”
    • This move is aimed at weeding out individuals who hide their identities to engage in food contamination or other anti-social activities.
  • Mandatory Name and Identity Display at Food Establishments:
    • To promote transparency, the government has made it mandatory for all food establishments to prominently display the names of owners and managers.
    • Additionally, all workers in food establishments must wear identity cards while on duty.
    • This measure is aimed at ensuring accountability and preventing individuals from hiding their identity.
  • Compulsory Installation of CCTV Cameras:
    • All eateries and food establishments will be required to install CCTV cameras in their kitchens and dining areas.
    • The footage must be kept for at least a month and be available to district authorities if required.
    • This will help monitor food preparation and service to prevent contamination.
  • Right to Information for Consumers:
    • Every consumer will have the right to essential information about the food they consume and the establishments where it is prepared.
    • The ordinances ensure that sellers display clear signboards and avoid using false names or pseudonyms, holding them accountable for any violation.
  • Legal and Constitutional Process for an Ordinance:
    • Ordinance as a Legislative Tool:
      • An ordinance is a temporary law enacted by the executive (Governor, at the state level) when the legislature is not in session.
      • It is issued under Article 213 of the Indian Constitution for states, which empowers the Governor to promulgate ordinances in urgent situations.
    • Approval and Continuation:
      • Once an ordinance is issued, it must be presented to the state legislature when it reconvenes.
      • The ordinance will cease to exist if it is not approved by both houses of the state legislature within six weeks from the start of the next session.
    • Constitutional Safeguards: