Every summer, we have major or minor outbreaks of jaundice and cholera
in Mysore. Eating out and that too at road-side food vendors is a major
contributor to this public health problem.
Mysore City Corporation seems to believe that it has done its
duty by issuing annual commands that road-side vendors can not sell cut
fruits, but this is only a very small part of the problem. A
comprehensive road-side vendor policy by MCC is required. This policy
should be based on the following hygiene issues pointed out by public
health experts:
1. Location of the vending units (near garbage heaps, open sewers, etc.) as a potential source of contamination,2. Cleanliness of the surface of vending carts,
3. Protection of food from sun, wind, dust and rain,
4. Disposal of the waste generated,
5. Water used for cleaning,
6. Cooking, storage and serving material,
7. Use of gloves and aprons while cooking and serving,
8. Health status of food handlers,
9. General cleanliness of food handlers,
10. Keeping food (both raw and cooked) covered,
11. Extra care needed in preparation of uncooked foods (chutneys, curds, ice creams, etc.) to prevent germ contamination, and
12. Eating or smoking at the place where the food is prepared.
N.Dwarkanath, Mysore Grahakara Parishat