Centre directs states to set up 100 food streets; To grant Rs 1 cr as aid per street

New Delhi: The Union Health Ministry, in collaboration with the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, has written to the states and Union Territories to develop 100 food streets in 100 districts across the country.
The initiative is being taken up as a pilot project to create an example for other such streets to come up across the country to ensure safe and hygienic food practices.
The project aims to encourage safe and healthy practices among food businesses and community members, thus reducing foodborne illnesses and improving overall health outcomes, the Union Health Ministry said in a statement.
Also Read ‘Lived together only for 40 days’: SC declines to dissolve marriage of couple In a letter to the states, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan and Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs Secretary Manoj Joshi highlighted that “easy access to safe and hygienic food is vital for the good health of citizens”.
“Safe food practices not only promote the ‘eat right campaign’ and food safety but will improve hygiene credibility of local food businesses, boost local employment, tourism and, in turn, the economy. It also leads to a cleaner and greener environment,” the letters stated.
Street foods have traditionally been an integral part of Indian society and are present all across the country. They represent the rich local tradition of cuisine, the statement said.