Two states in India, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh, led by the ruling BJP, have introduced strict penalties for tampering with food by spitting or adding harmful substances. Uttarakhand proposes fines of up to 100,000 rupees (around $1,190), while Uttar Pradesh plans punishments that could reach up to 10 years in prison. The policies were introduced after videos surfaced on social media showing alleged incidents of food tampering, though some of these claims were later disproven.
In response, Uttar Pradesh’s Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath, announced new regulations for food vendors. These include mandatory CCTV installations, masks and gloves for staff, and displaying owner information at food establishments. However, critics argue these measures could lead to misuse, potentially targeting Muslim communities, especially as social media users have used terms like “spit-jihad” to label these accusations.
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Officials maintain that the laws are necessary for public safety, while critics, including legal experts, believe enforcing existing food safety laws would be more effective. They suggest that proper implementation of current laws may achieve the intended results without new ordinances.
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