Street food has been part of India’s cuisine culture for centuries. Indian authorities are promoting safe, wholesome, and sustainable food through the ‘Healthy and Hygienic Food Street’ campaign.
Safe, healthful, and sustainable food is crucial for health, yet the Indian food environment is evolving. The Indian government has under its new campaign to promote safety, health, and sustainability opened the first ‘Healthy and Hygienic Food Street’ in Ujjain.
The ‘Healthy and Hygienic Food Street’ campaign will promote food tourism and conserve India’s culinary heritage in 100 districts. In Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, the National Health Mission, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, and local officials will open the first food street. To ensure food safety and hygiene in India’s food ecosystem. Ancient cities like Ujjain, Somnath, Varanasi, Rameshwaram, Mamallapuram, and Puri feed domestic and foreign tourists daily.
These historical attractions attract foreign and domestic tourists who eat local delicacies. Food streets in Thailand, Vietnam, Turkey, and Morocco draw tourists. The Government of India’s ‘Healthy and Hygienic Food Street’ project serves global-standard cuisine to attract tourists.
Today, Hon’ble Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya will inaugurate Ujjain’s first model food street. The Ujjain food street would be the first of 100 planned in as many districts as the country, setting the benchmark.
MOHFW and MoHUA want states/UTs to build 100 food streets in 100 districts. This landmark project is being done by NHM, MoHUA, and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. States/UTs receive Rs.1 crore each food street under NHM in the ratio 60:40 or 90:10 to cover severe gaps, provided they are branded according to FSSAI standards.
The Food Safety and Certification (FoSTaC) program from FSSAI teaches food handlers Good Hygiene and Good Manufacturing Practices. At present, 14.5 lakh food handlers have been trained, and 25 lakh are expected in three years. Local agencies like Municipal Corporations, Development agencies, and District Collectors will help ensure financial and infrastructure convergence.
These food alleys would highlight traditional cuisine and promote food tourism in India. India has 42 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and about 3650 ASI-protected structures and site remnants of national importance. These tourism sites offer authentic Indian street food amid world food safety and cleanliness standards.
Millets and other traditional dishes were enjoyed by dignitaries from around the world during India’s G20 Presidency. Consumers, food merchants, and the government must work together to meet global food safety and cleanliness requirements.
Conclusion
Indian food is becoming safe, healthful, and sustainable. Both domestic and foreign tourists are drawn to street food in ancient locations like Ujjain. The ‘Healthy and Hygienic Food Street’ project by the Indian government offers real local cuisine to boost footfall.
First of 100 food streets nationwide will open in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. The National Health Mission (NHM) and Food Safety and Standards Authority of India jointly implement the effort. States/UTs receive Rs.1 crore every food street if they brand according to FSSAI norms. It promotes food tourism, preserves India’s culinary heritage, and highlights traditional cuisine.
