GHMC fiat to fruit & fruit juice vendors

Hyderabad: As the summer season started and the seasonal fruits are being sold by street vendors & other food vending establishments on footpaths and in commercial areas.

Mostly, water melon, sugar cane & other juices are being sold.

In this regard, the GHMC issued following guidelines to be followed by the street vendors, food vending establishments and other fruit juice sellers to safeguard the public health and prevent health hazards and contagious diseases: They shall store fruits in safe place, not in open places; They shall use the ripened fruits only; They shall not use carbide or any chemical for artificial ripening; They shall wash the water melon before cutting; They shall use cutting tools which are free from rust; They shall clean the cutting tools and utensils in hot water; They shall not use ice for storing or while serving; They shall use hand gloves; The shall ensure that fruits are covered properly from flies and dust; and, They shall keep wastage in dust bin covered with lid. At any cost, they shall not throw it in open places or nearby dust bins or in nalas/drains.

The GHMC Chief Medical officer stated in a press release that the aforementioned instructions shall be followed strictly, failing which action will be initiated against the violators under the Provisions of the HMC Bye Laws, GHMC Act, 1955 and under the Provisions of the Food Safety & Standards Act, 2006 & Rules, 2011.