The decision to ban beef in Maharashtra has received criticism from many quarters, especially foodies. But this isn’t the first time a food item has been banned in India. Here’s a look at all the food-related bans…
A vegetarian town: The local government in Palitana in Gujarat, a major pilgrimage centre for Jains, has declared the entire town a ‘vegetarian only’ zone by banning the sale of meat, fish and eggs! In June last year, almost 200 Jain monks went on a hunger strike — threatening to fast unto death — for four days, demanding that non-vegetarian food should not be permitted for sale in the pilgrim town, after which the ban was implemented.
Say ‘no’ to junk food: To make it clear that fast foods are unhealthy, schools in states like Punjab and various colleges in Rajasthan have prohibited selling of foods like pizzas, burgers and aerated drinks, not just within their premises but also in their surroundings.
People have criticised the move, citing that students would carry food from home and consume. Nonetheless, the Women and Child Development Ministry, who imposed the ban believe that with obesity amongst youngsters on the rise, it is essential to develop a habit of eating healthy from an early age.
In a landmark judgment, Himachal Pradesh high court ordered a ban on chips, wafers, biscuits, namkeen, candy, chewing gum, ice-cream, chocolates, noodles, carbonated drinks, fruit beverages, cakes among other non-essential food items that are sold in non-biodegradable packs.
Foie gras banned all over India: In July 2014, the government decided to ban the import of foie gras, usually eaten as pate or mousse, after animal rights activists protested against the cruel manner of its manufacture. This popular French delicacy, which feautred on gourmet menus in high-end European restaurants, put chefs in a fix.
Rabbit meat not allowed: After the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued a strict ban on rabbit slaughtering in Kerala, hotels have stopped serving rabbit meat dishes, which was a popular meat in the state.
(This appeared in Times of India)