Tamil Nadu to Establish Model Food Streets in Six Major Cities

In a renewed effort to standardise food handling practices and enhance public confidence in roadside eateries, the Tamil Nadu government has announced plans to establish model food streets in the first phase across Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Tiruchy, Salem, and Tirupur.

Health and Family Welfare Minister K.G. Arunraj made the announcement on Thursday (July 23) while inaugurating a special food safety training and awareness programme for more than 1,500 street food vendors in Tiruvallur district. The initiative is part of the State government`s broader campaign to promote food safety and hygiene.

The proposed model food streets will feature uniform stainless-steel food carts, along with essential amenities such as safe drinking water, toilets, waste disposal facilities, and improved infrastructure, creating a cleaner and safer environment for both vendors and customers.

The Minister said that nearly 50,000 street food vendors have already registered under Tamil Nadu`s food safety framework, marking a significant milestone in bringing the largely unorganised sector under regulatory oversight. The next priority, he added, is to ensure that every registered vendor consistently follows food hygiene and safety standards.

"Our objective is to instil public confidence that food served by street vendors is safe, clean, and hygienic," Mr. Arunraj said. He also noted that Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has emphasised the importance of structured training programmes to improve food handling practices, encourage the use of clean ingredients, and ensure compliance with food safety regulations.

The Model Food Streets initiative will be expanded to other districts in a phased manner. The Minister also warned that strict action would be taken against vendors and food manufacturers found using banned or prohibited substances in food preparation.

During the event, food safety registration certificates, food safety training certificates, and medical fitness certificates were distributed to participating vendors. Additionally, five modern food carts sponsored by private companies were handed over to selected beneficiaries.