Tamil Nadu Launches Landmark Push for Safe Street Food, Free Typhoid Jabs

Tamil Nadu has just kicked off a major initiative to make street food safer and more hygienic, launching the 'Healthy and Hygienic Food Street' project across six key cities and offering free typhoid vaccination for food handlers. This ambitious move, announced by Health Minister K.G. Arunraj on July 23, aims to transform popular street food hubs into model spaces with better infrastructure and stringent safety standards, directly addressing public health concerns while supporting the livelihoods of thousands of vendors. This push comes at a critical time, with India continuing to face a significant burden from foodborne illnesses, including thousands of acute diarrhoeal disease and typhoid cases reported in Chennai alone in the first half of 2026. The state's efforts align closely with the national Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) 'Eat Right India' campaign, which champions 'Clean Street Food Hubs.' Furthermore, recent FSSAI amendments in March 2026 have streamlined regulations, allowing street vendors registered under the Street Vendors Act to be automatically registered under food safety laws, provided they meet hygiene standards. Looking ahead, the 'Healthy and Hygienic Food Street' project is slated for phased expansion to more districts, with continuous training and strict monitoring planned to ensure vendors maintain high hygiene and safety standards. Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has stressed the importance of these training programs, underscoring the government's commitment to building public trust in street food and tackling the use of banned substances. This initiative represents a comprehensive approach to public health, vendor empowerment, and urban food culture that could set a new benchmark for other states.