World Food Safety Day: Index to be released to spread awareness & ensure well-being

The index serves as a tool to propel States and Union Territories to enhance their performance and establish robust food safety systems within their jurisdictions.

The State Food Safety Index on World Food Safety Day will be released on June 7 by the Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr Mansukh Mandaviya. On this occasion, winners of Eat Right Challenge for Districts would also be felicitated to encourage people to adopt healthy food habits.

The release of this index is a part of the World Food Safety Day celebrations organized by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). It is celebrated on June 7 every year to spread awareness among the people about food safety, as food is the root cause of myriad of diseases.

The event at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, may also witness the participation of a number of dignitaries and top government officials. The State Food Safety Index (SFSI) is an annual assessment released by FSSAI. It serves as a tool to propel States and Union Territories to enhance their performance and establish robust food safety systems within their jurisdictions.

The Eat Right Challenge for Districts was launched to promote and encourage healthy eating habits and enhance the overall food safety and sustainability. In this challenge a total of 260 districts participated and a total of 31 districts have successfully scored 75% and above marks. These districts have demonstrated exemplary efforts in implementing strategies to improve the food environment, and educate communities on food safety.

The FSSAI envisioned organizing Eat Right Melas Eat Right Walkathons and Eat Right Millets Melas across the country to commemorate the 75th anniversary of India’s Independence as well as the International Year of Millets.

These melas serve as platforms to showcase the diversity of cuisines as well as millet recipes in the country. In recognition of the outstanding efforts made by states and union territories, FSSAI will be presenting certificates of appreciation to those who have successfully conducted Eat Right Melas or Walkathons or Eat Right Millets Melas in their districts.

In recent years, FSSAI has taken momentous strides towards promoting food safety. Its commitment to evidence-based decision-making, scientific risk assessment and the pursuit of food safety standards that safeguard the health and well-being of the populace, is impeccable.