Uttar Pradesh Enhances Food Safety Measures Ahead of Kanwar Yatra
As the Kanwar Yatra approaches, the Uttar Pradesh government is enhancing food safety measures along pilgrimage routes. A new requirement mandates eateries to display QR code stickers linked to a food safety app, aimed at ensuring cleanliness and accountability for the millions of expected pilgrims. However, this initiative has sparked controversy, with political figures questioning its implications for job creation and community division. The article delves into the government's efforts and the mixed reactions from the public and political leaders, highlighting the ongoing challenges related to religious identity and safety during the festival.
Jul 10, 2025, 15:58 IST
Strengthening Food Safety for Pilgrims
As the Kanwar Yatra is set to commence on July 11, the Uttar Pradesh government is ramping up its food safety and sanitation initiatives along the pilgrimage routes. A new mandate requires all eateries to display QR code stickers linked to the Food Safety Connect app. This initiative aims to ensure cleanliness, transparency, and accountability for the estimated four crore pilgrims expected this year.
Rekha S. Chauhan, the Special Secretary and Additional Commissioner of the Food Safety and Drug Administration Department, stated that a dedicated campaign has been launched across all Kanwar routes. This involves affixing 'Safety App Connect' stickers on restaurants and food stalls. Additionally, restaurant owners have been instructed to display price lists for all items sold. Inspections of food quality and hygiene are being conducted along the routes, with dhabas, restaurants, and community meal organizers being urged to maintain high standards of cleanliness and quality while preparing food.
Congress MP Imran Masood raised concerns regarding this initiative, questioning whether QR codes would also be implemented to create job opportunities. He criticized the move, suggesting that it fosters division and hatred during festivals. Masood emphasized that unemployment is a significant issue that remains unaddressed. Although there have been no new directives regarding nameplates or religious identifiers this year, the digital stickers displaying the owner's name and registration evoke memories of July 2024, when the UP police controversially mandated shop owners along the 240-kilometer Kanwar route to prominently display their names and phone numbers.
This order, which was later enforced statewide on July 9, 2024, was perceived by many as an attempt to identify Muslim-owned shops operating under Hindu names. The directive faced backlash following reports of incidents related to religious identity, including a shocking case where a self-proclaimed religious leader's team forced a restaurant employee to partially undress to prove their faith.