Rampant safety violations, rare inspections, and unchecked adulteration expose thousands to daily health risks — from plate to palate.
Despite repeated awareness campaigns, food safety in Bhopal remains a serious concern. Roadside stalls, restaurants, dhabas, and even hostel messes are often found violating hygiene norms set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), putting the health of thousands at risk.
Former city food inspector Devendra Dubey said his team had operated at full capacity during major public events and conducted regular training for food handlers. However, he admitted that a widespread lack of discipline among vendors and restaurant owners continues to undo much of the department’s work.
Worryingly, certain food sources remain entirely outside regulatory supervision. Hostel kitchens and mobile water dispensers are not inspected, as they do not fall within the existing framework. “Water dispensers aren’t classified as food, and hostel messes are beyond current guidelines,” said an official.
In busy parts of the city, such as chowpattis and areas around Ashima Mall, vendors said they had not seen food inspectors in years. “Only BMC officers come, and they’re here for encroachment or bribes,” said one vendor. “Nobody checks hygiene. Nobody cares what we’re serving.”
FSSAI regulations require vendors to follow basic hygiene measures—wearing gloves, covering hair, operating at least 30 metres away from garbage, and maintaining cleanliness. These rules are routinely ignored, particularly in informal and mobile food setups.
High-traffic public locations like the railway station, bus stands, and airport also see frequent violations. Vendors at these sites are often found selling substandard food, raising the risk of foodborne illness among travellers.
Newly appointed food safety officer Pankaj Srivastava said a comprehensive citywide plan is in motion. “We’re deploying a mobile food testing lab for inspections. Since paneer consumption rises during this season, we’re prioritising its testing to ensure safety.”
But many Bhopalis remain sceptical. “This guy’s been using the same oil for days,” said a customer at a roadside stall. “With a new COVID variant around, shouldn’t they be checking? But no one expects anything here. It’s all luck.”
As the world observes Food Safety Day, Madhya Pradesh continues to fall behind in national safety rankings. Experts warn that poor enforcement is directly contributing to the growing burden of foodborne illness. A World Bank study warns that cases could rise from 100 million annually to 177 million by 2030 if regulation does not improve.
In 2024 alone, India saw over 1,000 outbreaks of acute diarrhoeal illness and more than 300 reported cases of food poisoning. A joint study by the World Bank Group and the Netherlands government under the “Food for All” programme estimates that foodborne diseases cost India Rs 1.78 lakh crore each year—nearly 0.5 percent of the GDP.
Chief Medical and Health Officer Prabhakar Tiwari said food adulteration happens at three stages: during preparation (such as sand in grains), due to poor storage, and through chemical additives in ready-to-eat foods. These, he said, can trigger both short-term ailments like diarrhoea and long-term diseases like cancer. He urged the public to remain cautious and make informed choices.