Mundhe: Street food safety, livelihoods matter

Tukaram Mundhe, commissioner of Maharashtra's Food and Drug Administration (FDA), shared insights on how India can improve street food safety without harming the livelihoods of small vendors. Mundhe emphasized that the goal is to promote the food culture while ensuring safety standards are met. He stressed that businesses should grow but must prioritize sanitation and proper food-handling.

Zoning could play a significant role in making street food safer by designating areas with proper sanitation conditions, similar to how Mumbai's Chowpatty and khau gallis are organized. Comparing with Asian cities that have successfully regulated street food without eliminating it, Mundhe called for implementing similar arrangements in India.

He proposed creating designated vending areas regulated by a coordinated framework, with local authorities identifying and managing vending spaces, while the FDA ensures compliance with food safety and hygiene regulations. The transition for existing vendors would be phased, with proper identification, registration, and allocation of spaces.

Vendors would be encouraged to move to designated areas, and unauthorised vending outside these locations would be dealt with through consistent enforcement. The aim is to create a well-regulated ecosystem where citizens can enjoy India's diverse food culture, vendors can earn sustainable livelihoods, and consumers can trust the safety and hygiene of their food.