-KH News Desk (cbedit@imaws.org )
States and Union Territories have been urged to increase their efforts to combat obesity and cut oil consumption by 10% by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Officials reviewed ways to address these public health issues at the 47th Central Advisory Committee (CAC) meeting, which took place in New Delhi on May 27.
Encourage community involvement and public awareness
The FSSAI urged States and Union Territories to step up public awareness initiatives and take decisive measures to reach the objective of a healthy and obesity-free India. Local governments should be actively involved in putting these public health measures into action, the authority advised.
Schools requested that sugar boards be set up.
The Central Board of Secondary Education’s (CBSE) recent directive for schools to set up “sugar boards” was one of the primary topics of discussion. The FSSAI stated that this action is critical to lowering schoolchildren’s consumption of sugar and promoting healthier eating habits from an early age.
Encouragement of safer food access and Eat Right India
Expanding the ‘Eat Right India’ campaign and enhancing food safety monitoring were also priorities for the FSSAI. States and UTs were urged to assist in making sure that everyone in society has access to wholesome food. In order to support these initiatives, it also promised technical assistance.
Over 60 people participated in the 47th CAC meeting. These included representatives from the federal ministry, food safety commissioners from several states and union territories, and stakeholders from the food industry, consumer rights, research, laboratories, and agriculture.
Prohibition of illicit fruit ripening methods
To stop the illicit use of ripening agents like calcium carbide, commonly referred to as “masala,” and artificial colors or coatings on fruits, the FSSAI has recently asked for stricter inspections in addition to the health campaigns. Fruit markets and storage areas should be routinely inspected, officials have been instructed.
