The Indian Express newspaper criticized the regulations proposed by the state of Uttar Pradesh, saying they “act like a communal (sectarian) whistle, targeting the majority’s notions of purity and pollution and targeting an already distrustful minority”.

Food and eating habits are sensitive issues in culturally diverse India, as they are deeply intertwined with religion and the country’s hierarchical caste system. Food-related norms and taboos sometimes lead to conflicts between communities, triggering feelings of insecurity. As a result, the concept of “food safety” is also intertwined with religion, and religion is sometimes used to attribute justification to alleged contamination incidents.

Food safety is also a major concern in India as the Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI) estimates that food is unsafe. It causes approximately 600 million infections and 400,000 deaths annually, external.

Experts cite several reasons for poor food safety in India, including poor enforcement of food safety laws and lack of awareness. Cramped kitchens, dirty utensils, contaminated water and improper handling and storage practices further jeopardize food safety.

That’s why people were shocked and outraged when videos emerged of vendors spitting on food. Soon after, Uttarakhand announced heavy fines for offenders and made it mandatory for police to verify hotel staff and install CCTV in kitchens.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Uttar Pradesh He said such incidents must be stopped, externalPolice must verify each employee. The government also plans to make it mandatory for food centers to display the names of their owners, for cooks and waiters to wear masks and gloves, and for hotels and restaurants to install CCTV.

According to reports, Adityanath is planning to introduce two ordinances that will punish spitting in food with a prison sentence of up to 10 years, external.