Kishtwar : In consonance with the theme of this Year’s World Food Day- “Safer Food,Better Health”, the Department of Food Safety & Drugs in collaboration with Food Control Organisation District Kishtwar on Monday organised a demonstration cum awareness programme on Fortified Foods like rice, wheat flour and milk. The awareness event was held for staff of the ICDS and Education Department, besides Food Business Operators under the Eat Right Challenge-2.
During the mega programme, awareness was imparted regarding Fortification of Mid Day Meal by Taraq Ahmad Butt, Assistant Commissioner Food Safety DFCO. He elaborated on Food Safety, its Rules & regulations, besides the objectives of Eat Right challenge-2 and its initiatives.
During the session, the speaker gave a detailed insight about the theme “Safer Food better Health” to the participants including Enforcement staff, Food Safety Officers & Field workers, who are at the helm of affairs to educate the public about the objectives of FSSA and allied activities. All the stakeholders were exhorted to implement the Fortification in MDM,ICDS and PDS in letter and spirit.
Physical & vocal demonstrations on Fortified Food like Fortified Rice, Wheat flour and milk were given which got an enthusiastic response from the stakeholders.
Assistant Commissioner, Food Safety DFCO Kishtwar informed that one in ten people are affected with Food borne diseases so it becomes imperative to use Safer and Fortified Food which is qualified with micro and macro nutrients. He said unsafe and poor Food leads towards worsening of health conditions like impaired growth, stunted development etc.
The officer further informed that under Eat Right Challenge 2 the main goal is to fight against Anemia and to implement Fortified Food in letter and spirits.
During the demonstration, officer depicted four steps of Food Safety which includes prevention of Food poisoning, maintenance of personal and surrounding Hygiene of products, avoiding contamination & its cross culture, cooking food at Right temperature & its proper storage.
Besides packaging and labeling are key concerned for safe food, he maintained.
During the session, pamphlets & brochures depicting the schemes like MDM, Poshanabhiyaan, AnaemiaMukt Bharat were distributed among approximately 150 participants.
Further, “Thora Tail, ChiniaurNamakKamkaren” slogan of Eat Right challenge was also recited on the dais for general sensitization of the participants towards healthy lifestyle and good eating habits.
Meanwhile, the participants were detailed about the three categories of Food items including High Risk, low risk & medium risk & the guidelines were enumerated thereupon.
The event culminated with enthusiasm, commitment & with a vision to surmount the hurdles in the interest of Consumers.
