New Delhi: Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare,  reviewed the 'Food Street Project' to develop 100 healthy and hygienic food streets across India. The project is set to develop with the top senior officers of the Health Ministry and Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

The project's goal is to encourage safe and healthy food practices among food companies and community members, thus, reducing foodborne diseases and improving overall health outcomes.

"As a pilot initiative to support 100 of these food streets in various areas across the nation, the National Health Mission (NHM) of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare will offer assistance of Rs 1 crore per food street. According to the release, the grant will be distributed under NHM in a 60:40 or 90:10 ratio with the requirement that branding for these food streets follow FSSAI regulations.

"The financial assistance would be provided for activities such as the provision of safe drinking water, hand washing, toilet facilities, tiled flooring of common areas, appropriate liquid & solid waste disposal, provision of dustbins, using billboards, facade preparation, permanent signage, common storage space, lighting, specialty carts for a particular type of trades, branding, etc," as per official statemnet.

In addition to receiving technical assistance from FSSAI, the effort will be carried out by NHM in coordination with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). "The technical assistance will include assistance in designing food streets, preparation of a SOP, and providing training under the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) protocol," it was noted.

"Street food has long been a vital component of Indian culinary tradition, and it has significantly supported and shaped the country's food industry. Millions of Indians depend on it for cheap and delectable food, but it also significantly boosts the economy of the nation. Street food hubs have made food easier to reach as a result of increased urbanisation, but food safety and hygiene at these hubs continue to be of concern," the statement read.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has made a number of improvements to the regulations for food street hubs' sanitation and food safety standards. The statement went on to list these steps as well as certification under the Eat Right India movement's Clean Street Food Hub project, independent third-party audits, and training for food handlers. 

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