The Uttar Pradesh government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, is set to introduce two new ordinances aimed at preventing food contamination and protecting public health. The ordinances, titled the Prevention of Pseudo and Anti-Harmony Activities and Prohibition of Spitting Ordinance 2024 and the UP Prevention of Contamination in Food (Consumer Right to Know) Ordinance 2024, will impose strict penalties on those found guilty of spitting in food or serving food contaminated with spit.

A high-level meeting, chaired by CM Yogi Adityanath, will be held today at 6:30 pm with key officials including Additional Chief Secretary Home Deepak Kumar, Ashish Singh from the Home Department, and Home Secretary DGP Sanjeev Gupta, to discuss the final details of these ordinances.

The move comes after multiple incidents were reported where food was allegedly contaminated through spitting or other unhygienic practices. The ordinances will also empower consumers by providing them with full transparency regarding the food they consume, including information on where and by whom the food is prepared.

This public health initiative follows a recent government directive requiring food outlets to display the names of their owners, aiming to curb practices such as the alleged mixing of urine in fruit juices and spitting on ‘roti’ (chapati). The decision reflects the government’s strong stance on maintaining food safety and hygiene standards.

The announcement comes as Uttar Pradesh prepares for by-elections in ten Assembly constituencies, including Phulpur, Khair, Ghaziabad, and others, with the Election Commission expected to announce dates shortly.

Earlier this week, CM Yogi Adityanath held a ‘Janta Darbar’ at Gorakhnath temple, where citizens raised concerns about incidents of food contamination. The upcoming ordinances are seen as a direct response to these complaints, with the government keen on ensuring that public health is not compromised.