Ministry of Health plans to launch 100 Food Streets Nationwide
The Union Health Ministry and the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs have made a noteworthy and inventive decision to urge states and Union Territories to establish 100 food streets in 100 districts throughout the country. This pilot project is intended to serve as a model for other streets to follow and promote hygienic and safe food practices.
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The objective of this initiative is to encourage food businesses and community members to adopt safe and healthy food practices, ultimately leading to a decrease in foodborne illnesses and an enhancement in overall health outcomes.
Union Health Secretary, Shri Rajesh Bhushan and Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs Secretary, Shri Manoj Joshi, wrote a letter to states emphasizing the importance of safe and clean food for the health of citizens. They explained that following safe food practices not only supports the “eat right campaign” and food safety but also enhances the credibility of local food businesses, generates employment opportunities, boosts tourism, and contributes to the economy. Additionally, it helps in maintaining a cleaner and eco-friendly environment.
Street foods are deeply rooted in Indian culture and can be found throughout the country, showcasing the diverse local culinary traditions. In addition to offering affordable daily sustenance to millions of people, street food also creates job opportunities and contributes to the tourism industry. However, there are concerns about food safety and hygiene at street food stalls and markets. As urbanization continues to advance, these hubs offer convenient access to food, but also exacerbate the problem of contaminated and unsafe food due to unsanitary practices.
The one-of-a-kind project will be executed through the National Health Mission (NHM), in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, and with technical assistance from FSSAI. To address significant gaps, financial support in the amount of Rs.1 crore per food street/district will be provided to the States/Union Territories. 100 such food streets will be established in 100 districts throughout the country, with a standardized branding of the food streets in compliance with FSSAI guidelines. This support will be given under the National Health Mission (NHM) in the ratio of 60:40 or 90:10.
At the state level, Municipal Corporations/Development Authorities/District Collectors will lead significant initiatives to ensure the integration of financial resources and physical infrastructure. Other efforts such as training for food handlers, third-party audits, and certification of Eat Right Street Food Hubs, as well as the “Support to Urban Street Vendors (SUSV)” scheme under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAYNULM) from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, have been implemented to enhance food safety standards. Furthermore, the States/Union Territories may conduct training programs for street vendors to educate them on food safety, hygiene maintenance, and waste management.
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Below is the state wise list of Number of food streets proposed by Ministry of Health:
State/UT wise Number of food streets | |
| State/Union Territory | Number of food streets |
| Andhra Pradesh | 4 |
| Assam | 4 |
| Bihar | 4 |
| Chhattisgarh | 4 |
| Delhi | 3 |
| Goa | 2 |
| Gujarat | 4 |
| Haryana | 4 |
| Himachal Pradesh | 3 |
| Jammu & Kashmir | 3 |
| Jharkhand | 4 |
| Karnataka | 4 |
| Kerala | 4 |
| Ladakh | 1 |
| Madhya Pradesh | 4. |
| Maharashtra | 4 |
| Odisha | 4 |
| Punjab | 4 |
| Rajasthan | 4 |
| Tamil Nadu | 4 |
| Telangana | 4 |
| Uttar Pradesh | 4 |
| Uttarakhand | 4. |
| West Bengal | 4 |
| Arunachal Pradesh | 1 |
| Manipur | 1 |
| Meghalaya | 1 |
| Mizoram | 1 |
| Nagaland | 1 |
| Sikkim | 1 |
| Tripura | 1 |
| A & N Islands | 1 |
| Chandigarh | 1 |
| DI) & DNH | 1 |
| Lakshadweep | 1 |
| Puducherry | 1 |
| Total | 100 |
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