The Tamil Nadu Food Safety Department has announced that vendors selling idiyappam on bicycles and two-wheelers across the State will now be required to obtain a food safety licence.
Idiyappam, a popular breakfast item widely consumed by children and elderly people, is commonly sold in many parts of Tamil Nadu during the morning hours by vendors using bicycles and bikes. However, the department said it had received complaints from the public about the sale of substandard and unhygienic idiyappam at certain locations.
In view of this, the Food Safety Department has made it mandatory for all such vendors to secure a licence before continuing their business. Officials said the move is aimed at ensuring food safety, hygiene and quality standards, especially for commonly consumed breakfast items.
The department has also instructed that idiyappam must be prepared strictly in accordance with food safety guidelines prescribed by the authorities. Vendors have been advised to maintain cleanliness during preparation, storage and sale, and to use only safe and approved raw materials.
Officials clarified that the food safety licence for manufacturing and selling idiyappam can be obtained online free of cost. The licence will be valid for one year and must be renewed annually.
The department further cautioned that vendors suffering from fever, infections or any communicable diseases should not engage in the preparation or sale of idiyappam, as it could pose health risks to consumers.
Food safety officers have been directed to conduct regular inspections and create awareness among small vendors about hygiene practices and licensing procedures. The department said strict action would be taken against those found violating the rules.
The decision is expected to improve food quality and protect public health while also bringing small-scale food vendors under regulatory oversight.
