Street food vendors operating at the proposed model food streets will be provided with standardised stainless steel vending carts of a uniform design. In the first phase, the food streets have been planned for six districts: Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Tiruchi, Salem, and Tiruppur, according to Health Minister K.G. Arunraj.

The food streets were being proposed as part of a concept of creating a brand for street food vendors. Initially, one street in each district will be selected. The streets will have food vending carts of standard design, similar to the uniform tea stalls in Tirupati, along with facilities such as rest rooms and handwashing areas for the public.

Electricity connection would be obtained, and proper licenses would be issued for the vendors. Loans will be arranged for vendors who are unable to procure the vending carts, the Minister told reporters shortly after inaugurating a training and awareness camp for street food vendors of Tiruvallur district.

Approximately, 50,000 street food vendors have been registered in the State, he said, emphasising the need for hygienic preparation of food. Training should be provided to street food vendors.

On food adulteration, he said strict action will be taken against food manufacturers and vendors who use banned substances in food products. Street food vendors and food handlers should pay attention to their own health. They should undergo regular health check-ups, according to a press release.

More than 1,500 street food vendors from various parts of Tiruvallur district, including Kadambathur, Poondi, Ellapuram, Minjur, Puzhal, Sholavaram, Gummidipoondi, Villivakkam, Avadi, Ambattur, Poonamallee, Thiruverkadu, Madhavaram, Tiruvottiyur, and Tiruvallur, participated in the camp held at Sri Ramachandra Medical College.

Published - July 23, 2026 09:21 pm IST