In response to alarming incidents involving spitting and food contamination with urine in Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath issued new directives on Tuesday. These regulations require all food establishments to display the names and addresses of their operators, proprietors, and managers prominently. Furthermore, chefs and waitstaff are now mandated to wear masks and gloves, and the installation of CCTV cameras in hotels and restaurants has become compulsory.
This initiative follows a Supreme Court ruling two months ago that suspended similar orders from the Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand police, which had mandated restaurants along the Kanwar Yatra route to showcase the names of their proprietors. CM Yogi made it clear during a meeting that the presence of human waste in food is utterly unacceptable and expressed his commitment to taking strict action against those who adulterate food items with human waste or any unsanitary substances.
Restaurant Owners’ Reactions
Varun Khera, Director of Desi Vibes, KA Eclairs, and Kaffiiaa
As a representative of the organized food and beverage industry in Uttar Pradesh, Varun Khera welcomed the government’s circular. He emphasized that the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) would ensure that all members maintain high hygiene standards. Khera mentioned, “The mask and the gloves shall be adopted as a process and an SOP in the kitchen as well as the service department. This may sound like COVID measures but it is definitely a welcome change.” He also urged street food vendors to adopt similar hygiene practices.
Sharad and Naresh Madan, Co-founders of Bel Cibo Hospitality
The Madan brothers highlighted their commitment to guest and staff safety at Begam Noida, noting that they already follow strict hygiene protocols, including mandatory glove usage for both kitchen and waitstaff. They remarked, “We believe this step increases accountability and ensures a secure environment for patrons and staff.” The Madans confirmed that CCTV systems are already installed in key areas of their establishments to maintain transparency.
Vikrant Batra, Founder of Cafe Delhi Heights
Vikrant Batra expressed strong support for the new mandates, stating, “We fully support the government’s new mandates requiring chefs and waiters to wear masks and gloves, as well as the installation of CCTVs in eateries.” He emphasized that these measures are part of their ongoing efforts to provide a safe and comfortable environment for guests and staff alike.
Aashi Gupta, Founder of The Salt Cafe
Aashi Gupta emphasized that the new regulations address critical gaps in food safety and accountability within the hospitality sector. She stated, “Wearing masks and gloves, as well as installing CCTV cameras, should now be seen as basic requirements for ensuring a clean and secure environment for both staff and patrons.” Gupta also highlighted the importance of police verification of staff for maintaining transparency in the industry.
Yogesh Sharma, Co-founder of Karigari
Yogesh Sharma noted that in the current hospitality landscape, hygiene and safety are of paramount importance. He remarked, “The new regulations are a timely and essential shift, setting a new industry standard.” He added that the requirement for masks, gloves, and CCTV not only promotes operational transparency but also builds guest confidence. Displaying the names and addresses of operators and managers is also seen as a way to enhance accountability and strengthen relationships between establishments and their customers.
In conclusion, the new directives reflect the industry’s commitment to adapting to public health needs and ensuring safety for patrons and staff alike.
