Key Update

Only 250 institutions in Kerala have received the ‘Eat Right Campus’ certification so far, while the validity of certificates issued to 204 institutions has expired, according to food safety officials. An initiative of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the ‘Eat Right Campus’ programme promotes safe, healthy and sustainable food practices on campuses. It also aims to reduce food-borne illnesses, nutritional deficiencies and non-communicable diseases among campus communities. The certification is open to a wide range of institutions, including colleges, universities, workplaces, government organisations, public sector undertakings, NGOs, hospitals, anganwadi centres and jails.

Kannur Leads District-wise Certification

As of mid-September, Kannur has the highest number of certified institutions in Kerala, with 27, followed by Kollam and Thrissur with 25 each. The district-wise figures are:

• Thiruvananthapuram – 17
• Pathanamthitta – 12
• Alappuzha – 20
• Kottayam – 18
• Ernakulam – 19
• Idukki – 16
• Palakkad – 19
• Malappuram – 23
• Kozhikode – 14
• Wayanad – 8
• Kannur – 27
• Kasaragod – 7

Four Parameters for Evaluation

Food safety officials evaluate institutions across four key areas: food safety, healthy food practices, environmental sustainability and awareness-building to encourage healthier food choices. Institutions must meet requirements such as obtaining food licences or registrations for food service establishments on campus and complying with food safety and hygiene standards under Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. A campus must achieve at least three stars on a five-star rating scale to receive the ‘Eat Right Campus’ certification. The certification remains valid for two years.

Renewal and Participation Remain Challenges

Officials said 204 certificates in Kerala have already expired, highlighting the need for institutions to renew their certification.

The programme has not expanded as quickly as expected, partly because some institutions are reluctant to apply due to procedural delays. Officials also said the certification process is carried out in phases, as directed by FSSAI, and depends partly on the availability of funds for Food Safety Training and Certification (FoSTaC) and third-party audits.

Food safety officials in Ernakulam said limited staff strength also makes the certification process time-consuming. They noted that only a small number of institutions voluntarily come forward for evaluation, while the department continues to conduct the certification programme alongside its regular enforcement activities.

Source: The Hindu