Maha Kumbh 2025: 2100 Street Food Vendors Trained in Food Safety
As the Maha Kumbh festival approaches in Prayagraj, the district administration, in collaboration with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the Uttar Pradesh Food Safety Department, has trained 2,100 street food vendors to ensure food safety during the event. The Maha Kumbh, which will take place from January 13 to February 26, 2025, is expected to attract millions of pilgrims, making it crucial to maintain high food safety standards.
The comprehensive training program covered essential topics, including personal hygiene, food handling, safe cooking methods, and waste management. District Magistrate Ravindra Kumar Mandhad emphasized that ensuring food safety is vital for the wellbeing of visitors attending the event. “This training is a crucial step towards maintaining food safety at the Maha Kumbh,” he said.
The participants were also briefed about the Food Safety and Standards Act and the guidelines prescribed in Schedule 4, which cover food business registration and licensing requirements. As part of the initiative, hygiene kits, including aprons, gloves, headgear, and a street food vendor manual, were distributed to all trainees.
FSSAI has set an ambitious target to train 25 lakh food vendors across India by 2026. This effort is part of a nationwide initiative to enhance food safety standards, especially in high-traffic areas like religious festivals. By providing training and resources to street food vendors, FSSAI aims to improve food safety practices and ensure the health of millions of festival-goers.
This proactive approach to food safety during the Maha Kumbh is expected to create a safer environment for both vendors and consumers, supporting the success of the event while promoting better food handling practices nationwide.
