Programme for food safety during Commonwealth Games

Amid concerns regarding lack of food safety norms in the capital restaurants during the upcoming Commonwealth Games, a new programme has been devised to create food safety awareness in coordination with government standards.

"There has been a lot of noise over food safety during CWG. We aim to do something concrete so that foreign tourists get international standards in food safety and hygiene during the games," NLB Pantulu, vice-president, operations, TQS Global Management System, a private consultancy firm said..

The programme, 'Safe Food Destination', has been launched by the consultancy TQS Global Management System.

Restaurants can voluntarily get themselves registered under the programme for an year. Auditing and Monitor teams of the TSQ  would help the restaurant maintain food safety by educating staff through workshops, interaction and consultations.

Under a scoring system a restaurant has to obtain a minimum of 40% in order to obtain a food safety certificate from TQS.

Basic facts regarding food safety, like never to buy chicken in case of a watery discharge would be taught to restaurant staff.

"The aim is to keep increasing the score every time the auditing team comes for inspection. 75% is silver grading, 85% is golden while 95% is platinum," says Pantulu.

"For the first time in India, we have brought consumer insurance as in terms of limited claims towards any mishap or illness arising out of food safety issues in TQS registered SFD outlets.

"The consumer is at peace of mind as he is insured against any health injury arising out of food borne disease. At the same time the restaurant stakeholder is also confident as his liabilities are limited," says Pantulu.

In case of illness after eating at a registered member's restaurant, TQS will probe the incident and if found guilty of violation of safety norms, the registration would be cancelled.

There is a also provision for restaurants to provide compensation under the programme that has already seen hundred registrations from city restaurants.

Sanjoy Roy, president, TGIF (Bistro Hospitality),which has enrolled in the programme says, "The Safe food program is a great initiative as this will enable serious restaurateurs to make sure that they are at par with international standards with regards to food safety and hygiene and thus are able to cater to both local as well as international tourists."

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India seems to be happy about the step taken by the TQS.

"Safe food destination programme was given to all state governments. Delhi government cited lack of manpower to implement it. TQS is doing voluntarily," says JP Dongre, Marketing Officer, Food Safety & Standards Authority of India.

Keeping in mind the popularity of street food in the capital, TQS is working on the modalities to make it more safer.

"We have a modern vending cart for street vendors that is much safer to use. We are working on further guidelines in this matter," says Pantulu.

TQS plans to select food ambassadors of India where its top ten registered restaurants will be evaluated by an independent body and the winners will be declared as food ambassadors ahead of the Commonwealth Games