Chandigarh MC makes NOC mandatory for all meat shops, eateries

Chandigarh municipal corporation will require all shops, hotels, and restaurants selling raw meat, chicken, pork or fish to obtain a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the medical officer of health, under draft bylaws to be placed before the General House on August 20. The proposed MCC (Regulation, Control, and Inspection of Meat, Fish, Poultry Shops and Commercial Food Establishments) Bylaws, 2026 replace the 2002 framework and cover licensing, hygiene, refrigeration, traceability, and inspection.

Violators face fines up to Rs 50,000, sealing, confiscation, suspension, blacklisting, and criminal proceedings. The draft mandates non-porous flooring, glazed wall tiles, stainless steel or granite counters, and full air-conditioning in handling areas. Pork requires a separate processing environment. Shopkeepers cannot slaughter animals on premises, fresh meat must come from the municipal slaughterhouse or an MC-authorised facility. Stale, unstamped, or illegally sourced meat can be seized without compensation.

After House approval, the MC will publish the draft and invite public objections and suggestions for 15 days before notification. The NOC will be valid for one year and require annual renewal.