Is The Delhi Government Gearing Up To Take Down Your Favorite Restaurant In Town?

It’s about time that restaurants in the Capital got up and about on their toes before the Delhi Government clamps down on them. According to recent reports, the Delhi Government is gearing up to go Irish on the eateries in town.

Zero Tolerance Policy

All restaurants and hotels in the national capital will now have to compulsorily register with the Delhi government and get food safety licences within a month failing which punitive action may be initiated.

Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain said the government has decided to adopt a “zero tolerance policy” against those involved in food adulteration and will come down hard on the violators.

Of Legal Age

“It will now be mandatory for all restaurants and hotels in the national capital to register and get food safety licenses within one month, through a simplified online process,” said a top Delhi government official.

Newly-appointed commissioner of Food Safety Mrinalini Darswal said the Directorate of Prevention of Food Adulteration will strictly enforce provisions of the Food safety and Standards Act, 2006 which provides for up to six months imprisonment and a fine of Rs 5 lakh on those running restaurants and hotels without food safety licenses.

Law Abiding Food

Mr. Jain said Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has directed all departments concerned to take strict action to deal with the problem of adulteration. A decision in this regard was taken at a meeting between Mr. Jain and Ms. Darswal.

According to Darswal, Section 31 (1) of the Food Safety and Standards Act clearly states, “no person shall commence or carry on any food business except under a license.” She said all restaurants and hotels applying for food safety license would get it through a simplified online process. Applicants can apply online and the department will process their applications and send them their licenses on e-mail.

‘Fine’ Dining

For the benefit of those in the hospitality business and also for the general public, the government will also undertake a campaign to educate people about provisions of up to six months imprisonment and Rs 5 lakh fine against the violators.

“The government wants to encourage trade and business in the national capital and licensing processes are being simplified but interests of consumers will also be protected,” said Jain.

Basically, Delhi eateries have a month to get their Food Safety Licenses in place before the government puts its ‘zero tolerance’ in action.