Archive · 11 Jun 2025
Food Segregation Guidelines Largely Ignored by Eateries
The Indian government has rules about keeping vegetarian and non-vegetarian food separate when it's made, cooked, and stored to prevent cross-contamination.
However, many restaurants and street food vendors don't know about these rules or don't follow them.
This means that people who don't eat meat could accidentally get meat in their food.
The rules are there to protect people, but they are not always enforced due to a lack of inspections and awareness.
Some bigger restaurants do follow strict rules, but it's not always because they have to.
FDA regulations mandate the strict segregation of vegetarian and non-vegetarian food.
Regulations cover preparation, cooking, and storage to prevent cross-contamination.
Many restaurants and vendors are unaware of or not adhering to these guidelines.
Penalties exist, but inspections are reportedly infrequent due to staff shortages.
Industry practices vary, with some establishments adhering to international standards rather than solely regulatory mandates.
- Who
- FDA, FSSAI, food vendors, restaurants, and consumers.
- What
- FDA regulations regarding the segregation of vegetarian and non-vegetarian food in food businesses.
- When
- Ongoing, with regulations from 2011.
- Where
- India, particularly Mumbai.
- Why
- Lack of awareness and enforcement contribute to the disregard of segregation guidelines.
Industry Concerns
Regulatory & Industry Response
Compliance
Industry Concerns
Restaurants and vendors are often unaware of or not compliant with the FDA regulations.
Regulatory & Industry Response
Some larger food operators claim adherence to FSSAI and FDA guidelines, often following standard industry practices.
Consumer Safety
Industry Concerns
Consumers may be at risk due to potential cross-contamination in food preparation.
Regulatory & Industry Response
The FDA aims to ensure food safety through regular inspections, although these have been lacking due to resource constraints.
- Governing Law
- Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
- Key Regulation
- Schedule 4 of Food Safety and Standards Regulations, 2011
- Mandated Segregation
- Separate preparation, cooking, and storage
- Specific Requirement
- Separate fridge for raw meat/poultry
- Potential Penalties
- Rs 5 lakh (licensed), Rs 25,000 (registered)