Nadda highlights FSSAI’s role in sensitizing industry to regulations and consumers on healthy eating habits, ET HospitalityWorld

Highlighting the critical role of food safety in the well-being of citizens, Nadda highlighted its importance and urged the FSSAI to sensitize consumers, industry and stakeholders not only on regulatory issues but also bring in behavioral changes to inculcate healthy eating habits. He emphasized that while regulatory issues are an important mandate of the FSSAI, the goal of food safety can only be achieved through communication and sensitization of consumers on various aspects of food safety. The minister said these words while chairing a review meeting of the national food regulator, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), in the national capital today.

“In a large country like India, different regions have different food habits and preferences. Let’s improve our knowledge about their behaviour. This will help us develop policies that are tailored to these differences,” he said.

“It is important to empower consumers and citizens on various food safety issues through evidence-based information. Only then will our work be fully done,” the minister added.

The Health Minister was briefed by G. Kamala Vardhana Rao, Director General, FSSAI, about various initiatives taken by FSSAI.

Appreciating the initiatives taken by the food regulator to improve the level of food safety, the Union Minister said the food safety ecosystem has witnessed remarkable progress in the last few years. Nadda also praised the leadership of FSSAI in areas like millets and CODEX standards. He appreciated their initiatives in training and equipping street vendors, emphasising that consumer empowerment is crucial.

“Food safety is a huge responsibility of FSSAI. Let us become global leaders in this field,” the minister said. He also praised them for the wide awareness created about Millets, also known as Shree-Ann.

The Union Minister also highlighted the contribution of FSSAI in developing global standards, establishing a robust testing infrastructure and launching initiatives like the Eat Right India campaign. He emphasised the importance of addressing emerging trends in food safety, promoting sustainable farming practices and using technology to improve food safety management.

Nadda said that to ensure that all states are brought on one platform of pan-India standards, it is important to assess their strengths, limitations and challenges. Let us understand their individual problems so that we can support them and strengthen their efforts, he said.