Guidelines For Street Food By BIS: Exploring the Significance of IS 16066: 2017

IS 16066: 2017 is a crucial set of guidelines developed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) that focuses on ensuring safe and hygienic street food practices in India. Street food holds immense cultural significance in the country, enjoyed by millions of people. However, with the rapid growth of the street food sector, it has become increasingly important to implement measures that guarantee food safety and hygiene for both consumers and vendors. In this article, we will explore the key aspects of IS 16066: 2017 and its role in promoting safe and hygienic street food across India.

What is IS 16066: 2017?

IS 16066: 2017 encompasses a comprehensive set of guidelines formulated by the Bureau of Indian Standards. These guidelines establish safety requirements for street food vendors, covering various aspects such as vending carts, locations, utensils, hygienic practices, and waste disposal.

Ensuring Safe and Hygienic Street Food:

IS 16066: 2017 strives to ensure that street food vendors adhere to safe and hygienic practices throughout their food preparation and sales processes. The guidelines lay down the following key requirements:

1. Authorized Location: Street food vendors must operate exclusively from designated and authorized locations approved by local authorities.
2. Clean Vending Carts: Vendors are responsible for maintaining clean and well-maintained vending carts, meeting essential hygiene standards.
3. Utensils and Food-Grade Materials: Utensils used for food preparation and serving should be fabricated from food-grade materials, regularly cleaned, and sanitized.
4. Hygienic Water Usage: Vendors must utilize safe and hygienic water for activities like utensil washing, cart cleaning, and food preparation.
5. Good Hygienic Practices: Vendors should observe good hygienic practices, including wearing clean and suitable clothing, utilizing gloves when handling food, and maintaining personal hygiene.
6. Waste Disposal: Proper disposal of waste generated during food preparation and vending is imperative to ensure a safe and hygienic environment.

Certification for Street Food Vendors:

IS 16066: 2017 also emphasizes the importance of certification for street food vendors. The certification process encompasses the following steps:

1. Licensing: Vendors must obtain a license from local authorities to operate as street food vendors.
2. Training: Vendors must undergo training on safe and hygienic practices as specified by local authorities.
3. Compliance: Vendors must comply with the guidelines outlined in IS 16066: 2017.
4. Inspections: Periodic inspections conducted by local authorities ensure ongoing compliance with the established guidelines.

Benefits of IS 16066: 2017

IS 16066: 2017 yields several benefits for both consumers and vendors. Consumers can enjoy street food with confidence, knowing it adheres to safety and hygiene standards, minimizing the risk of foodborne illnesses. For vendors, these guidelines provide a framework for safe and hygienic street food vending, aiding in attracting more customers and enhancing their business prospects.

IS 16066: 2017, developed by the Bureau of Indian Standards, plays a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and hygiene of street food. By adhering to these guidelines, street food vendors can not only improve their business and attract more customers but also contribute to a safer and more enjoyable street food experience for consumers.