If you are planning to open a makeshift stall to sell fafda and jalebi this Dussehra, you may have to drop your idea as Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has decided to crack down on such temporary manufacturers.
The civic body said that no food will be allowed to be sold commercially without having an appropriate licence of national food regulator as well as those which do not meet the standards of AMC.
This could also mean that foot enthusiasts will have to stand much longer at farsan (Indian snack) shops. Sweet makers from the city have welcomed the initiative saying that in case of any unfortunate event, there is no way such sellers can be identified at a later stage.
"This is for the first time that AMC is taking such a step. Such sellers set up tents for a day and sell. According to the law of the land, you need a valid licence to manufacture and sell food products. These sellers do not have such license. Moreover, there is no guarantee of the quality of raw materials used or hygiene maintained," said Bhavin Joshi, Health Officer at AMC.
He, however, clarified that whoever wants to manufacture and sell farsan and sweets on a temporary basis, will have to take permission from AMC. AMC will ensure the quality of raw materials and hygiene and then allow them to sell food items.
According to the law, one needs to have a license from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to manufacture and sell food items.
Kamlesh Kandoi, a partner at Kandoi Bhogilal Mulchand, the oldest registered firm of the city, welcomed the initiative saying that while action can be taken and registered farsan and sweet makers, there is no way one can take action against such manufacturers if the health of the buyers is put to risk.
"Moreover, by setting up makeshift tents to make and sell food products, these individuals do not have to incur investments in shops, pay taxes to the government and therefore are able to sell at lower prices and eat into the business of regular shopkeepers," said Kandoi.
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