Posted: August 31st, 2011 - 7:02pm
Source: Times of India

MUMBAI -- The next time you visit your favourite chai, pani puri or bhel puri stall, or any other small-time food seller, don't be surprised to see the vendors sport aprons and hand gloves. For, according to the new Food Safety Act, hawkers, food vendors and temporary stall owners must follow minimum standards of food safety or pay a maximum fine of Rs 1 lakh.
The new Central Food Safety and Standard Act, 2006, replaces the existing Prevention of Food Adulteration Act; the State Food Safety Act came into effect in Maharashtra from August 5, 2011. With the implementation of the new rules, even vegetable or fruit sellers who use chemicals to ripen their products will be liable for punishment.
"Small-time food stalls, vegetable and fruit vendors and even big-time restaurants - all will have to mandatorily follow basic hygiene rules such as wearing an apron, gloves, using clean utensils and potable water," said Satej Patil, minister of state for Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), in Mantralaya on Monday.