Food for thought: Poor hygiene in food hubs poses health risk

The spiritual and cultural hub of the region, Amritsar, or Ambarsar as it is colloquially known, is renowned for its delectable street food scene, with popular spots serving mouth-watering delicacies. However, amidst the city's gastronomic charm, a grim reality persists. Waterlogging and garbage heaps are a common sight around these food stalls, posing a significant threat to public health.

Residents and visitors alike have expressed concerns over the unsanitary conditions surrounding popular street food areas. Even as the entire city is often plagued by problems such as sewage blockages, irregular garbage collection and water pipe leakage, the unhygienic conditions surrounding stalls selling food are of much greater concern.

“All eateries are issued registration or licenses under the Food Safety and Standards Act, for which a fee is charged. Further, food business owners pay many other taxes. It is the duty of the civic authorities to ensure that areas near eating places are hygienic. Collecting food samples only and ignoring the cleanliness surrounding the place is not sufficient," said Jagtar Singh, a visitor.

Poor drainage systems contribute to water accumulation, creating breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other pests. Irregular garbage collection leads to overflowing trash, further exacerbating the unsanitary conditions. Clogged drains cause sewage to overflow, posing health risks to residents and visitors.

Food lovers also demand that food business operators should be sensitised by the Health Department. “It is often seen that unclean surroundings are there due to the apathy of the food businesses. While they keep their stalls clean, they throw waste on the road,” said another resident, Balkaran Sachdeva.