India Proposes 10-Year Jail Sentence for Spitting and Contaminating Food

The Indian government is planning to introduce strict laws to prevent food contamination, proposing up to 10 years in jail for those who deliberately add harmful substances, including saliva, to food.

Specifically, in Uttar Pradesh, spitting in food could also result in a 10-year prison sentence, typically reserved for serious crimes like attempted murder or rape, according to officials.

Responding to Public Concerns

This initiative comes in response to alarming reports from Uttar Pradesh where some food vendors were allegedly seen spitting in food or mixing urine into drinks. These incidents have led to public anger and increased demand for tougher laws.

According to The Hindustan Times, government officials confirmed that spitting in food would be treated as a serious crime, with penalties similar to those for serious offenses like assault.

The two proposed laws, named the Prevention of Contamination in Food Ordinance and the Prevention of Harmful Activities and Prohibition of Spitting Ordinance, were recently discussed in a cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Photo via Economic Times

If approved, these laws could take effect within six months, after being reviewed by the state assembly.

Strict Penalties and Safety Measures

These new laws suggest not only long prison terms but also additional requirements for food vendors. A government official shared with The Indian Express that these offenses would be both “cognizable” and “non-bailable,” which means those accused could be arrested immediately and would not have the option of bail.

Restaurants and food vendors could face penalties like the cancellation of their licenses and heavy fines if they violate the law. To improve food safety further, the laws would require vendors to display information about their owners and employees.

Staff would also need to carry identification cards and wear sanitary head covers, masks, and gloves while cooking and serving.

Additionally, CCTV cameras would be required in kitchens and dining areas, with video footage stored for at least a month and available to local authorities if needed. These steps aim to make food preparation more transparent and safer for customers.

Background and Reasoning

These proposals follow several recent incidents where vendors were accused of unsanitary practices, such as spitting on food and mixing urine into drinks. These events have highlighted food safety concerns and prompted the government to draft these laws.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath emphasized that every person has a right to clean, safe food, stating, “Contaminating food with harmful substances is a serious crime and will be punished by the strictest laws.”

Next Steps

While these proposed laws apply specifically to Uttar Pradesh, food safety regulations can vary across different states in India. The laws reflect a serious effort to improve food safety.

By introducing strict penalties and safety measures like identification and CCTV monitoring, the government aims to restore public confidence in food businesses and ensure consumers can enjoy safe, clean food. These laws now await final review by the assembly, with implementation expected within the next six months.