Hoteliers in Cantonment could learn from this man

G Narender frying some snacks at his bandi in Secunderabad. 

At a time when more than 70 per cent of food outlets including big hotels in the Secunderabad Cantonment area are found wanting in matters of cleanliness and standards maintained in storage and sale of food, G Narender, 40, who sells short eats, such as potato patties and snacks made with green chilli at his bandi in East Marredpally is scoring a point or two. 

It is said that ‘Cleanliness is a habit nice, without paying heavy price’. It couldn’t have been more applicable to Narender when last week two food inspectors sauntered in to his little bandi and wanted to extort money. 

However, Narender showed them the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) certificate that he proudly displays at his stall and off went the inspectors without a whimper.

An exuberant Narender says, “I informed them how I make sure my customers throw waste packets and leftovers in the bins provided. I also ensure to clean the place and dispose all waste material before going home.” 

It has been five years from the time he obtained the FSSAI certificate. He says, “I was once surfing channels and watched a show on how important it is to maintain cleanliness and make the whole process from procuring food material to the final stage efficient and I decided to get the FSSAI certificate.”

The cost of the certificate is Rs 100, which is given after a thorough check by officials. Narender feels that it gives him a sense of relief and confidence. He says that many first timers to the stall are curious when they see the certificate and praise him. 

The cleanliness-conscious food seller feels that hoteliers in the city should go in for the FSSAI certificate. He says his business shot up by several notches after he obtained it and many educated customers often pat him on the back for it.

Meanwhile, the Secunderabad Cantonment Board (SCB) is planning to crack the whip on hotels in the area once more. 

The Cantonment Act, 2006 states that no person of any classes, vendors of any articles shall carry on trade unless he has obtained a license. 

Though many hotels were seized by food inspectors of SCB earlier, there are close to 400 outlets still operating without safety measures.