Chandigarh: The municipal corporation (MC), Chandigarh, is set to introduce new Meat, Fish, Poultry Shops and Commercial Food Establishments Bye-Laws, 2026, replacing the existing 2002 regulations. The draft bye-laws will be tabled before the general house on Aug 20 for discussion and in-principle approval.MC officials said the revision is aimed at aligning local regulations with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSSAI), while bringing hotels, restaurants, eating houses and cloud kitchens handling raw meat under a stronger regulatory framework.Under the proposed rules, FSSAI licences will remain valid only with an annual No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the MC. The draft also makes it mandatory for sheep, goats and pigs to be slaughtered at the MC’s modern slaughterhouse in Industrial Area, Phase I. Official ink stamping of meat and preservation of invoices for 30 days have also been proposed.The new bye-laws prescribe stricter hygiene standards, including air-conditioned meat handling areas, marble workstations, deep freezers maintained below -18°C, and separate storage facilities for pork.The civic body has also proposed stronger enforcement measures. Designated officers will be empowered to inspect establishments, impose penalties, confiscate products and order immediate sealing of shops or kitchens for serious violations. The draft provides for a graded penalty structure, with daily fines ranging from Rs 100 to Rs 10,000 and annual penalties between Rs 1,000 and Rs 50,000, depending on the nature and severity of the violation.If approved by the house, the draft will be placed in the public domain for 15 days to invite objections and suggestions before being brought back to the general house for final approval and notification.
