To Commemorate 75 years of Independence as a part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, Eat Right Mela was organized by Food Safety wing of Drugs and Food Control in collaboration of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India at Govt Physical College of Education Gadoora, Ganderbal.
People from all walks of life participated in the Mela which was inaugurated by the Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Shymbir.Mela was also attended by Deputy Commissioner, Food Safety, Kashmir, Mrs. Irfana Ahmad, Additional District Development Commissioner, Ganderbal, Khursheed Ahmad Shah, Chief Education Officer, Ganderbal, Majid Ahmad Kohli, Principal Govt. Physical College of Education Ganderbal, Hartej Singh and other district officers.
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, the Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, said that apart from being physically fit, we have to cultivate proper and good eating habits adding that risk of lifestyle diseases was high and preventive measures should be accorded highest priority.
He further impressed upon the department to double their efforts in ensuring safe and wholesome food to consumers.Deputy Commissioner Food Safety, Kashmir in her 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. She further stressed upon them to undergo FOSTAC training so that neat and clean food is made available to consumers.
Additional Deputy Development Commissioner, Ganderbal 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.
Vote of thanks was given by Assistant Commissioner of Food Safety, Hilal Ahmad Mir and 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.
Technical Officer CFDA provided details of activities available at the Mela in highlighting importance of safe food.Food Business Operators who adopt good hygienic practices in their premises and a Food Safety Officer were later on felicitated by Deputy Commissioner, Food Safety.
Earlier, As a part of the ‘Eat Right Mela’ a walkathon was held here at Qamaria Ground Ganderbal which was flagged off by the Deputy Commissioner in which a large number of students, NGOs, and locals participated along with the officials from Food Safety. The walkathon commenced from Qamaria Park and culminated at Govt. College of Physical Education Gadoora.