The Uttar Pradesh government extended its campaign to help food business operators register themselves and obtain licences till May 31 and said those without valid documents will not be allowed to operate.
Initiated in the first week of April by the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA), the campaign aims to bring all food-related businesses — from street vendors to large restaurants and food manufacturing units — under mandatory food safety compliance.
The objective of the campaign is to ensure that every food business operator (FBO) in both urban and rural areas registers and obtains a licence under the Food Safety and Standards Act. The step seeks to guarantee provision of safe and quality food to the consumers, while also curbing unregulated practices in the food sector, the government said in a statement. The initiative is aimed at covering all types of food-related businesses – from street vendors and small eateries to large restaurants and food processing units – under the Food Safety and Standards Act. The main objective of the drive is to ensure safe and hygienic food, while also putting a stop to unregulated or illegal food operations.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has issued clear directions that no food business should be allowed to run outside the legal framework. However, the government also acknowledged that “Despite legal requirements, many small and large food operators are yet to comply with licensing norms.”
“The campaign is not only about compliance but also public health. Unlicensed food businesses pose risks to consumers and violate legal provisions. Therefore, authorities are ensuring full coverage, from roadside vendors and dhabas to premium restaurants under the drive,” the government emphasised.
To support the campaign, the FSDA has launched extensive outreach efforts in all districts. This includes registration camps and mobile food safety teams to guide and help businesses through the licensing process. So far, thousands of food businesses have registered during this drive, with many more expected to do so before the new deadline expires.
