Fine of almost $1,200 for contaminating food. Two states in northern India have announced their intention to impose heavy fines or even prison sentences on people who contaminate food with saliva, dirt or even urine.
As reported by the BBC, the state of Uttarakhand will impose a fine of up to 100,000 rupees, or $1,190. Hotel police must now monitor the preparation of dishes and surveillance cameras must be installed in the kitchens.
The neighboring state of Uttar Pradesh is also preparing to legislate: authorities want to require its restaurant workers to wear masks and gloves and ask that the names of the owners of each establishment that serves food be displayed, in addition to installing cameras. According to the Indian press, prison sentences of up to 10 years are being considered.
Discrimination against Muslims?
These two states, led by the BJP, the ruling party of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, followed the government’s directives, after the spread of several unverified videos posted on social media, showing street vendors spitting in food or a woman urinating on the plate it was on. preparing.
After the dissemination of these videos, numerous comments emerged directed at Muslims, a community already persecuted in India. After police verification, it was found that the woman urinating in the food was Hindu. The Indian opposition is concerned that these laws could be used to discriminate against the Muslim community.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, a series of fake videos went viral showing Muslims spitting, sneezing or licking objects to infect Hindus.
As our British colleagues explain, food is a sensitive topic in India because it is linked to religion and caste systems. In addition, it is also a public health problem in a country where 600 million food-related infections are recorded every year and cause 400,000 deaths per year.
Source: BFM TV
