Uttarakhand and UP Strengthen Food Safety Laws

The governments of Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh are taking stringent measures to combat food contamination incidents, particularly those involving spitting, often referred to as 'thook jihad'. In Uttarakhand, new guidelines mandate CCTV installation in kitchens, staff police verification, and impose fines up to Rs 1 lakh for spitting in food. Uttar Pradesh is set to introduce two ordinances making food contamination a cognizable and non-bailable offense, with penalties reaching up to 10 years in prison. These measures aim to ensure food safety and public health, with mandatory transparency in food establishments about owners and staff, including CCTV surveillance and identity verification. Both regions have acted in response to viral incidents of alleged food tampering, highlighting the importance of preserving social harmony and consumer trust.