Implement food laws strictly, say residents
A man eats at a roadside stall unmindful of the unhygenic conditions under which food is prepared in Amritsar.
A pool of stagnant water near a cart selling fruits in Amritsar
Amritsar, January 5Stringent laws and stricter implementation can check the agonising sale of substandard and adulterated food items in the holy city. The Health Department with its limited manpower and resources is unable to cover all shops in the entire district.The residents said the government should take strict action against those found selling low quality eatables to set an example for the others.They said collecting a few samples every month would not help in checking the problem. There was a need for a full-fledged drive to check the menace, they added. The residents said food testing laboratories should be opened at the district level so that reports of tests were available readily. Various educational institutions in the district had food technology labs, which could be roped in to test food samples and prepare reports, which were readily available, added the residents.Following are the views expressed by some residents on the unabated sale of poor quality food items in the holy city.
Test samples locally“At present the samples from the entire state are sent to laboratory in Chandigarh for testing. This creates a glut at the laboratory and the reports are delayed. It will be better if samples are tested at the local government hospitals and other educational institutes in the district till the time new labs come up in the district.” --Dr Hazara Singh, A local resident.
A man eats at a roadside stall unmindful of the unhygenic conditions under which food is prepared in Amritsar.
A pool of stagnant water near a cart selling fruits in AmritsarAmritsar, January 5Stringent laws and stricter implementation can check the agonising sale of substandard and adulterated food items in the holy city. The Health Department with its limited manpower and resources is unable to cover all shops in the entire district.The residents said the government should take strict action against those found selling low quality eatables to set an example for the others.They said collecting a few samples every month would not help in checking the problem. There was a need for a full-fledged drive to check the menace, they added. The residents said food testing laboratories should be opened at the district level so that reports of tests were available readily. Various educational institutions in the district had food technology labs, which could be roped in to test food samples and prepare reports, which were readily available, added the residents.Following are the views expressed by some residents on the unabated sale of poor quality food items in the holy city.
Test samples locally“At present the samples from the entire state are sent to laboratory in Chandigarh for testing. This creates a glut at the laboratory and the reports are delayed. It will be better if samples are tested at the local government hospitals and other educational institutes in the district till the time new labs come up in the district.” --Dr Hazara Singh, A local resident.
Impacts public health“The sale of substandard food directly concerns public health. If the sale of such eatables is stopped, the government will have to spend less on public health.The problem of substandard, unhygienic and adulterated food is more prominent in the rural areas. A government helpline to lodge complaint about such cases will be of some help.” --Gurjinder Singh, A resident
Spread awareness“There is a need for creating awareness about unhygienic food. The owners of the eateries must be educated to keep cooking utensils and surroundings clean. It will not cost anything, but help in ensuring good health of the consumers. Owners of the eateries ignore hygiene because they just do not care. A look at the surroundings of many roadside eateries and kitchens of restaurants is clear to assume that the food being sold is contaminated.” --Jatinder Monga, An entrepreneur
Enforce law“The government had earlier brought in Food Safety and Standards Act. The provisions of the Act cover all aspects of food industry. The strict implementation of all the provisions of the Act will finish the problem of substandard and unhygienic foods, which is sold openly in the city. Under the Act, cooks require health fitness certificate. They should wear gloves and cover their heads while cooking, besides other provisions, which relate to quality of the food.” --Deep Davinder Singh, Punjabi Lehak Sabha
Meanwhile, the Health Department has already completed the process to register all food businesses. However, it seems that the progress in implementing the Act is far slower than desired.
Spread awareness“There is a need for creating awareness about unhygienic food. The owners of the eateries must be educated to keep cooking utensils and surroundings clean. It will not cost anything, but help in ensuring good health of the consumers. Owners of the eateries ignore hygiene because they just do not care. A look at the surroundings of many roadside eateries and kitchens of restaurants is clear to assume that the food being sold is contaminated.” --Jatinder Monga, An entrepreneur
Enforce law“The government had earlier brought in Food Safety and Standards Act. The provisions of the Act cover all aspects of food industry. The strict implementation of all the provisions of the Act will finish the problem of substandard and unhygienic foods, which is sold openly in the city. Under the Act, cooks require health fitness certificate. They should wear gloves and cover their heads while cooking, besides other provisions, which relate to quality of the food.” --Deep Davinder Singh, Punjabi Lehak Sabha
Meanwhile, the Health Department has already completed the process to register all food businesses. However, it seems that the progress in implementing the Act is far slower than desired.
Unhygienic outlets may be sealed in the interest of consumers.
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