Solving a vendor's food and safety problem

A potato pancake.[Photo from Internet]

The Shanghai industry and commerce bureau plans to stop a pancake vendor from plying his three-decade-old business. A Da's homemade garlic oil pancakes became famous after BBC Two's Taste of Shanghai featured him in the "China Season" in February. The local authorities, however, say A Da can no longer sell his pancakes from his house without a license. Beijing News commented on Wednesday:

For more than 30 years, A Da has been waking up at 5 am to prepare his pancakes. Despite being physically challenged－he has a hunched back－he has persisted with his pancake business and lived with dignity.

Of course, food safety should not be ignored. But a flexible solution could be found－one that will allow A Da to vend his pancakes and ensure food safety, as well.

Perhaps the experience of Taiwan can help. The night street food market is one of Taiwan's iconic tourist spots. But all the vendors there have to get business licenses from the local authority and face random food safety checks.

A Da could not have sold his pancakes for more than 30 years without winning the trust of his customers. So instead of asking him to stop vending his pancakes, which will deprive him of his livelihood, the Shanghai authorities could put his product to test and, if it passes, issue him a business license.