TN govt announces 'healthy food streets' in 6 districts, free typhoid vaccines for food handlers

CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu government on Wednesday announced the launch of a 'Healthy and Hygienic Food Street' pilot project across six districts, alongside free typhoid vaccinations for food handlers in the state.

Addressing a state-level review meeting of Designated Officers and Food Safety Officers (FSOs) here, Health Minister Arunraj emphasised the government's priority to ensure the supply of quality, hygienic food to the public to prevent diseases.

Taking serious note of allegations that some FSOs were harassing traders, the minister strictly instructed officials to ensure a transparent, corruption-free administration without causing any inconvenience to the public, adhering to the chief minister's directives.

To uplift street food vendors, the government will introduce 'healthy and hygienic food streets' on a pilot basis in Chennai, Tiruchirappalli, Madurai, Salem, Coimbatore, and Tiruppur. Standardised stalls and financial loan assistance will be provided to vendors to ensure safe and hygienic environments.

In a move to prevent communicable diseases, the government will soon roll out a scheme to administer free typhoid vaccines to food handlers and servers working in hotels and street food stalls.

Referring to a recent incident in Kanchipuram where workers were severely affected by unsafe food at an industrial site, the minister directed officials to intensify monitoring in high-risk areas, including non-vegetarian eateries, temples, and large festival gatherings.

Regarding the tragic loss of 10 lives in the ammonia gas leak at a private seafood processing unit in Tiruvallur district, he stated that an expert committee examining health and industrial safety aspects has submitted its report, and stringent action will be taken based on its findings. The bodies of the deceased were sent to their native districts at the government's expense.

The minister also issued a stern warning against hospital staff demanding bribes from patients and visitors for basic services, such as wheelchairs or viewing newborns in government hospitals.

He urged the public to report any such demands to the '104' health helpline, assuring strict action against errant staff.

On the recruitment front, he clarified that appointments for Health Inspectors have been temporarily withheld due to a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into alleged examination malpractices, following advisories from the Court and the Advocate General.

He further noted that the government has created new vacancies corresponding to the opening of 11 new medical colleges, with more posts to follow.

The government also announced the provision of a one-gram gold ring to babies born in government hospitals on the Chief Minister's birthday (June 22), an initiative aimed at incentivising institutional deliveries and ensuring maternal safety.