Key Development

To strengthen food safety awareness and promote healthier eating habits, the food safety department will organise a state-level programme titled ‘Eat Right Kerala: Safe Food for Better Life’ in Thiruvananthapuram on February 6.

Health Minister to Launch Key Initiatives

Health Minister Veena George will inaugurate the event at the Central Stadium. As part of the launch, the department will unveil a food safety mascot and announce the District Food Safety Index, a new initiative aimed at evaluating and recognising districts for effective food safety implementation.

Engaging Activities for the Public and Professionals

Following the inauguration, the programme will roll out a series of activities designed to engage both the public and food sector professionals. These include a millet recipe competition, seminars on food safety and nutrition, a food festival, cultural programmes, and awareness stalls set up by various government departments.

Capacity Building for the Food Sector

To strengthen compliance and skills within the food industry, the department will conduct training sessions for meat traders in collaboration with the National Meat Research Institute (NMRI), Hyderabad. Office yoga sessions under the ‘Vibe for Wellness’ campaign will also form part of the programme, linking workplace well-being with healthy lifestyles.

Handbook Release and Recognition of Excellence

During the event, officials will release a handbook for food safety officers outlining measures to prevent and manage food poisoning. The department will also honour districts, circles, laboratories, and officers for outstanding food safety performance during 2024–25. On the opening day, the department will host a seminar titled ‘Safe Food Practices for Food Sector Stakeholders’ at 10 am. Hoteliers, bakers, caterers, Kudumbashree representatives, and other industry stakeholders will participate in the discussions.

Later in the day, experts from NMRI will lead a specialised training session on ‘From Slaughter to Plate: Best and Innovative Practices for Safe and Sustainable Meat Production’. The session will target meat traders, processors, entrepreneurs, and local health officials.

Wellness and Nutrition Take Centre Stage on Day Two

The second day will begin with office yoga sessions conducted in collaboration with the National AYUSH Mission. This will be followed by a seminar on ‘Low Salt, Low Sugar, Low Fat’, where health experts will interact with health workers, students, and the public. The programme will conclude with Millet Marvels 2026, a special millet fair featuring around 30 teams. Exhibition stalls by departments, including food safety, drugs control, NHM, fisheries, agriculture, and NMRI, will highlight ongoing initiatives in nutrition and food safety.

Source: MSN.com