Students made aware on ‘Eat Right India’ movement

Dimapur, April 1 (EMN): As part of ‘Eat Right India’ movement, the Food Safety Cell, Dimapur, conducted a food safety and healthy food awareness programmes on March 31 namely at St. Joseph Higher Secondary School, Chümoukedima, on the theme ‘Eat Right School’ and at ICFAI University, Sovima, on the theme ‘Eat Right Campus.’

An update from the office of the chief medical officer (CMO), Dimapur, stated that the resource person and dietician from CIHSR, Pelekhrienuo Kire Kense, highlighted the importance of nutrients in diet by emphasising on having a balanced diet in the daily meals to ensure that all the main nutrients are consumed in right portions.

She urged the participants to opt for whole grain foods and avoid sweets and oily food. She also highlighted that consuming fast food on a regular basis causes many non-communicable diseases such diabetes, high blood pressure and cancers.

Samuel, designated food safety officer, stated that food safety should be the responsibility of all. He advised to always check the package for FSSAI registration number, nutritional values, ingredients, manufacturing and best before dates, address of manufacture when buying a product.

He also urged participants not to eat street food wrapped in old newspapers or textbooks as the inks used in printings are harmful. He further urged them to inform the Food Safety Cell, Dimapur, for any issues related to food products in the market.

Also speaking during the programmes, CMO Dimapur Dr. Mereninla Senlem highlighted the activities implemented under FSSAI Dimapur. She stated that Food Safety Cell functions under two main components namely the analytical wing and the implementation wing. Reiterating the importance of eating a balanced diet, she urged the participants to reduce intake of fast food and sweets.

She further expressed gratitude to Dr. VT Vasagan, registrar (officiating) of ICFAI University, and Fr. Antony, principal of St. Joseph Higher Secondary School for hosting the programme.

Report also stated that staff under the State Public Health Laboratory demonstrated various ways to check food adulterations in common food items sold in the market.

Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI) launched the ‘Eat Right India’ movement in 2018 to improve public health and fight negative nutritional trends to fight lifestyle diseases. FSSAI’s responsibility was to ensure viability of safe and wholesome food for the people in India. The movement was launched to ensure safe, healthy and sustainable food for all Indians.