As part of 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav' to commemorate 75 years of Independence, Food and Drugs Administration Anantnag in collaboration with Food Safety & Standards Authority of India and District Administration,Anantnag today organised ‘Eat Right Mela’ at Government Degree College (Boys) Anantnag.
ADC, Gulzar Ahmad, Deputy Commissioner Food Safety Kashmir, Shagoofa Jalal, Principal GDC and Dy.SP Police were also present on the occasion.The Mela was chaired by DDC Anantnag, Mohd Yousuf Gorsi. In his address, the DDC Chairman highlighted the objective of holding such melas and said that Eat Right Mela is envisioned as a massive outreach to citizens to build awareness on safe food and healthy diets through an interactive and informative model.
He complimented the efforts of the organizers and stressed the need for holding more such camps in near future.
Designated Officer Food Safety Anantnag Srinagar/ Bandipora/ Kulgam State Nodal Officer FS, Food Analyst Kashmir, officers from district administration also participated in the mela.Food stalls of different departments like Agriculture, Horticulture, ICDS and some of leading manufacturers of Kashmir Division were installed in the Mela to showcase local production and inculcate the habit of safe and healthy eating among consumers.
District Officer Horticulture, Reyaz Ahmad Malik spoke on harmful effects of excessive use of pesticides and other chemicals and impressed upon adopting organic agricultural practices.During the program, the audience was made aware about the importance of following healthy and safe food practices.
During their address, speakers urged the participants to adopt healthy food habits and avoid consumption of junk foods. Other speakers also highlighted the impact of adulterated and unhealthy food items on human health.Technical Officer CFDA provided details of activities available at the Mela in highlighting the importance of safe food.
Designated officer Food Safety, Anantnag, Sheikh Zameer Ahmad in 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. Winners of different competitions were felicitated on the occasion. Earlier, as part of the ‘Eat Right Mela’ a walkathon was held from Wazir Bagh to Govt Boys Degree College Anantnag with participation of a large number of students and locals along with the officials from Food Safety.
The walkathon commenced from Wazirbagh Anantnag and culminated at Govt Boys Degree College Khanabal.