World Food Safety Day events held across J&K

Jammu, June 7: The Commissionerate of Food and Drugs Administration, Drugs and Food Control Organisation, J&K, Friday organised various programme on World Food Safety Day across all the districts of J&K.

A statement of the Office of the Commissioner Food and Drug Administration, Drugs and Food Control Organisation, J&K, issued here said that the theme of this year’s World Food Safety Day was ‘Food Safety: Prepare for the Unexpected’ aims to raise awareness and support actions and plans to achieve safer food for a healthier planet and also to highlight the role of governments in preparing for the unexpected by committing to national plans for food safety emergency responses, strengthening surveillance systems, and enhancing monitoring capabilities.

The celebration also emphasises the importance of the roles of both food companies and consumers in preparing for unexpected incidents. It aims to raise awareness about the importance of improving communication and coordination among government bodies, the private sector, and consumers to respond effectively to food-related incidents.

Two mega programmers were held at the District Jammu and District Srinagar. The Chief Guest at Jammu Headquarters was Commissioner Food and Drugs Administration J&K, Hashmat Ali Yauto, whereas at the Divisional Headquarters Deputy Commissioner Food Safety Kashmir Division was the chief guest.

On the occasion, the Commissioner FDA said, “Food needs to be safe, nutritious, sufficient and affordable. From producers to consumers, Food Safety is everyone's business. We need to work collectively and better prepare for unexpected challenges to prevent foodborne illnesses and save lives.”

He said that the Food Safety wing of the Drugs and Food Control Organisation has achieved numerous accomplishments in the area of "preparing for the unexpected," which is this year's World Food Safety Day theme.

Key achievements include effective communication with the National Contact Point through the Food Safety Emergency Response System. Additionally, a multidisciplinary team (Enforcement and ICLC) has been activated to manage food incidents, and the roles of surveillance, response, and emergency preparedness in food safety have been strengthened.

The Deputy Commissioner of Food Safety Kashmir in her address said, “We all as stakeholders need to join hands together to contribute to the promotion of safe and healthy food safety culture through participation in various eat right initiatives of Eat Right India Movement."

She said that this day signifies that food safety is a shared responsibility between the government, producers and consumers and everyone has a role to play to ensure the food we consume is safe and healthy.

The dignitaries who presided over the celebration of the World Food Safety Day in other districts were the Deputy Commissioner in Kulgam, Executive officer Municipal committee at Vijaypur (Samba),   Principal Govt. Boys Higher Secondary School at Anantnag, Principal Government High School at Thathri, Nodal officer Eat Right school at Bandipora, Chief Education Officer at Pulwama, Principal HSS at Surankote (Poonch),  Principal HSS at Shopian,   Principal GMS Dudwan at Kupwara and Principal New Dreamland Educational Institute at Ganderbal. Principal HSS Delina at Baramula, ADDC Srinagar, President chamber of Commerce, Jammu, President Baker Association, Jammu, President Halwai Union, President Milk and Milk product Association and other members of the trade fraternity also participated.

During organising the events, the department in collaboration with the other line departments of the district administrations showcased different activities including skit jingles, poster competitions, seminars, quizzes, lectures, presentations, a walkathon, and a display of mobile food testing cans.

The events witnessed huge participation of various stakeholders including the Joint Commissioner of Food Safety, J&K, Deputy Commissioner of Food Safety, Jammu, designated officers, Food Safety Officers, food analysts, civil society members, Presidents and Chairman of various Food Business Associations and NGOs, college and school students, teachers, lecturers, professors as well as common masses.

All the events concluded with the slogan ‘Let’s Make Food Safety Everyone’s Business’ and a pledge was also taken by all: “Today, on World Food Safety Day, I solemnly pledge to do everything in my power to promote safe food, and to prevent, detect, and manage foodborne risks.”

All the participants were requested to approach the department through any medium for any feedback on food safety and quality issues and register their grievances and complaints at Toll-Free Number 104, for redressal.