Uttar Pradesh introduces law against spitting in food amid outrage

In India, the state of Uttar Pradesh is set to introduce a law aimed at prohibiting the deliberate contamination of food with spit. This decision follows a surge in complaints and the circulation of unverified videos allegedly depicting individuals spitting into food items in restaurants and other venues. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, convened a high-level meeting to discuss the proposed ordinances, which include preventive and punitive measures against food tampering. The ordinances, tentatively named "Prevention of Pseudo and Anti-Harmony Activities and Prohibition of Spitting Ordinance 2024" and "Uttar Pradesh Prevention of Contamination in Food (Consumer Right to Know) Ordinance 2024," aim to enhance food safety and consumer rights. This initiative is part of a broader effort to address rising incidents of food adulteration reported across the country, including the contamination of food items with harmful substances. In addition to the new laws, the government has mandated that food businesses display the names and addresses of their operators and install CCTV cameras to monitor food preparation areas. These measures are intended to increase accountability and transparency in the food industry. However, the proposed legislation has faced criticism from civil society activists and opposition politicians, who argue that it may exacerbate social tensions. Despite the controversy, the government is moving forward with its plans to ensure food safety and protect consumer rights in the state.