KINS Desk
Srinagar Nov 29 (KINS): To Commemorate 75 years of Independence as a part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, Eat Right Mela was organised by Food Safety wing of Drugs and Food Control in collaboration of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India at Hotel Centaur on the Bank of Dal Lake.
People from all walks of life participated in this Mela which was inaugurated by Divisional Commissioner Kashmir. 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 and officers of Drugs & Food Control Organisation were present in the mela.
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 Divisional Commissioner 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 further impressed upon the department to double their efforts in ensuring safe and wholesome food to consumers.
Commissioner Food and Drugs Administration Shakeel Ul- Rahman 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. Dr Haroon Rashid Naik 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. Hilal Ahmad Mir Assistant Commissioner of Food Safety thanked all the participants. He assured the audience that the department will keep 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 organised
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. (KINS)
