SRINAGAR: As part of ‘Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav’, the Food Safety wing of Drugs and Food Control Organisation (D&FCO) in collaboration with Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FS&SAI) today organised ‘Eat Right Mela’ at Hotel Centaur on the banks of Dal Lake, here.
The Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, Pandurang K Pole inaugurated the Mela in presence of Commissioner Food and Drugs Administration, Shakeel-ul-Rehman; Head of Department Community Medicine, Dr. Saleem Khan; Dean Research IUST, Prof. Haroon Rashid Naik; District Programme Officer, Zeenat Ara; Chief Medical Officer Srinagar, Dr Jameel.
People from all walks of life participated in the Mela which was also attended by officers of Drugs & Food Control Organisation besides other officers and officials.
Food stalls of different departments like Agriculture, Horticulture, HPMC and those of leading manufacturers of Kashmir division were installed in the Mela to showcase local production and inculcate habit of safe and healthy eating among consumers.
During his address, Div Com stressed upon consumption of seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables in addition to consuming whole grains, legumes and nuts. He further called upon consumers to discourage consumption of food high in salt, sugar and fat as such foods can create health issues.
He impressed upon the department to double their efforts in ensuring safe and wholesome food to consumers.
Commissioner Food and Drugs Administration during his address highlighted achievements of the department and enjoined upon the Food Business Operators especially the manufacturing, hoteliers and restaurant owners to adopt good manufacturing and hygienic practices and to undergo hygiene rating at an earliest.
He further stressed upon them to undergo Fostac training so that neat and clean food is made available to consumers.
Dean Research IUST in his address delved upon the need to carry on more research and innovative work in the field of food science and assured his support in augmentation of testing facilities in Food Testing laboratory Srinagar.
Dr Saleem Khan highlighted the impact of adulterated and unsafe food on human health and said that the graph of non-communicable diseases can be brought down if healthy life style which includes healthy eating habits is adopted.
Assistant Commissioner of Food Safety thanked all the participants. He assured the audience that the department will leave no stone unturned in ensuring safe and wholesome food to consumers for which he sought support from them in filing complaints against those Food business operators who do not adhere to various provisions of Food Safety and Standards Act.
During the mela, a cultural programme highlighting importance of safe food, a debate on food safety by two leading universities of Kashmir, IUST and SKUAST was organized.
Food Business Operators who adopt good hygienic practices in their premises and a Food Safety Officer were later on felicitated by Divisional Commissioner. Besides, a shikara rally was held in Dal Lake highlighting the importance of consuming safe, healthy and nutritious food.
