The Tamil Nadu Food Safety Department has announced that all idiyappam vendors in the State must obtain a valid food safety licence before selling the popular dish to the public. The move follows a notable increase in vendors, especially in Chennai and surrounding areas, and complaints that some were operating without maintaining basic hygiene standards.Officials said the licence, which can be applied for online at no cost, must be renewed every year. Along with the directive, the department has issued a set of hygiene and safety guidelines that vendors are required to follow. These include using safe ingredients, maintaining clean preparation environments, and ensuring proper personal hygiene.
Vendors have also been asked to wear gloves, head covers and other protective gear while handling food.
Special instructions have been issued to mobile vendors selling idiyappam on bicycles and two-wheelers, emphasising safe handling, transport and storage practices.
The department has also advised individuals with fever, infectious illnesses, or weak immunity to avoid engaging in food selling activities.
Officials clarified that the initiative is not intended to burden small traders but to ensure consumers receive clean and safe food while bringing street food vending under a regulated safety framework.
