The State government has plans to establish clean street food hubs in Chennai, Kancheepuram, and Tiruvallur districts in the near future. Similarly, hubs of a similar nature will be introduced in Chengalpattu, Nagapattinam, and Coimbatore districts. To facilitate this initiative, local authorities in these selected districts will allocate suitable land for the establishment of these food hubs, which will be operated in compliance with stringent food safety standards.
The Greater Chennai Corporation has pinpointed specific locations within the city to set up the food hubs.
Every hub will consist of a cluster of 20 or more food vendors who will sell their products only after meeting essential hygiene and sanitation standards.
The hubs will be recognised by the local body as a clean street food hub based on an audit.
Construction of the food hubs at Elliot’s Beach is scheduled to commence soon. Additionally, locations like Mamallapuram in Chengalpattu district, Avadi in Tiruvallur district, and Velankanni in Nagapattinam district have been identified for similar food hubs in other parts of the State.
Satheesh Kumar, Designated Officer, Food Safety Department, Chennai, said more than 50 vendors in Chennai will receive training in cooking and storing of food.
“The food should not be unhygienic. The vendors should focus on proper disposal of waste,” said Dr. Satheesh Kumar.
Most food vendors do not follow any standard operating procedure with regard to hygiene.
Many public health issues have been reported by residents after consuming food sold by these vendors.
Based on the hygiene rating of the stalls at the food hubs, the government will set up similar hubs in more districts.