Bhopal: Rs 2 Lakh Fine for Serving Snacks on Newspapers
The district administration of Bhopal has completely banned the use of newspapers for serving food and snacks.
You might have often seen newspapers being commonly used in street food stalls.These food stalls sometimes use newspapers as disposable plates in order to reduce the cost. However, following the guidelines of Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI), the district administration of Bhopal has completely banned the use of newspapers for serving food and snacks. Based on the orders of Bhopal Collector Avinash Lavania, the Food Security Administration has started two innovative programs under Eat Right Challenge. The campaign to ensure people's safety. The collector has launched 'Akhbar mein khane ko boliye na' campaign. Under this vital program, serving samosas or poha or pakodas on newspapers has been strictly prohibited. According to the district administration, Rs 2 lakh will be imposed on the shopkeepers who’ll be found breaching the guidelines.
As per the district administration, a campaign will be started in the city to create awareness among the residents. Flyers, hoardings will be installed in the hotels and an affidavit will be also taken from the vendors for the same. Notably, the FSSAI had issued an order regarding the health hazards and damage caused by serving snacks or food items in newspapers. In order to ensure proper implementation of guidelines of the agency, the district administration is running a campaign. Under the campaign, people will be made aware of the health issues that arise while eating in newspapers. Food Safety Officer Devendra Dubey said that the ink used in printing the newspaper contains dangerous chemicals, including lead. When the chemicals react with oil or food, they cause serious health issues.
Also, under this campaign, the district administration team will visit private and government aided hostels to inspect the quality of food being served to the students there. In 2016, the use of newspapers for packaging of food items was banned. The ADM rank officials were given the right to impose a fine of up to Rs. 2 lakh on the shopkeepers, or vendors violating the rules. What do you think about this initiative of the local administration in Bhopal? Do you think the whole country should implement this rule? Do mention your thoughts in the comment section below.
