Muzaffarnagar: Kanwar Yatra Route Eateries Banned from Serving Non-Veg, Must Display Licences

Muzaffarnagar, July 28: Hotels and roadside eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route in Muzaffarnagar have been banned from cooking and serving non-vegetarian food, and owners have been directed to prominently display their licences and other paperwork, officials said on Tuesday.

The directive, issued by the Food Safety Department ahead of the annual Kanwar Yatra beginning July 30, is part of routine yearly measures. Assistant Commissioner (Food) Archana Dheeran confirmed that the ban also extends to the use of onions and garlic in cooking and serving food at these establishments.

“Cooking and serving non-vegetarian foods in hotels and dhabas have been banned on the Kanwar Yatra route. Hotel and dhaba owners have also been told not to use onions and garlic in cooking and serving food,” Ms. Dheeran told PTI. She added that eateries have been following these norms every year, and any new establishment is informed by the department.

Six teams of officials have been formed to inspect food items along the route. “Stale food will not be allowed in these dhabas,” Ms. Dheeran said. Eateries have also been directed to display owners' details, licences, and QR codes for the food safety connect app.

Additionally, the district authorities have set standard rates for 21 essential items to prevent overcharging. The Food Safety Department has mandated that cooks must wear gloves, and the use of artificial colours in food is strictly prohibited.

The Kanwar Yatra is a religious pilgrimage in which devotees, often vegetarians, travel to collect holy water from the Ganga. The annual restrictions are aimed at respecting the sentiments of pilgrims.