Officials Enforce Feedback App to Boost Transparency

The Food Safety Department has made it mandatory for sweet shop owners in Prayagraj to use a consumer satisfaction feedback app. By introducing this app, officials aim to improve transparency, address consumer grievances faster, and strengthen hygiene monitoring during the festive season. Officials directed nearly 100 prominent sweet shop owners to display QR codes and posters that encourage customers to rate and review their experience using the Food Safety Connect app. They believe this step will help customers voice concerns and help the department take quicker action when required. Before rolling out the initiative, the department met with members of the Prayagraj Sweets & Namkeen Welfare Association. Officials briefed the traders on the mandatory use of the feedback system and instructed them to display it prominently in their shops.

Department Mandates Sugar, Oil, and Colour Disclosures

The Food Safety Department also ordered shopkeepers to display how much sugar and oil each food item contains, as per the Sugar Board and Oil Board standards. Officials insisted that shop owners use less food colouring in sweets and namkeen items and inform customers about ingredient levels. They aim to help consumers make informed choices and reduce the risks associated with excessive sugar, fat, and artificial colour consumption.

Traders Join Obesity Awareness Campaign

Officials also launched an obesity awareness campaign as part of their broader public health strategy. They urged sweet shop owners to participate by promoting healthier product options and discouraging overconsumption of fatty and sugary foods. Ankit Gupta, a prominent sweet shop owner, confirmed that he and other members of the association had already installed banners and posters promoting the feedback app. “We’re actively encouraging consumers to use the Food Safety Connect app and give us honest feedback,” Gupta said.

Local Shops Support Nation’s Call for Better Health

Gupta added that traders are also participating in efforts to raise awareness about obesity. He called it a growing public health challenge that affects people of all ages and increases the risk of non-communicable diseases like diabetes and heart conditions. He blamed the shift to processed food, poor diet choices, and sedentary lifestyles for the rising obesity trend in both urban and rural areas. He also acknowledged Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s message in the Mann Ki Baat programme, where the PM called on people to reduce oil consumption and work collectively to tackle obesity. Gupta said that the association supports the national goal of promoting better nutrition and lifestyle changes. The Union government continues to push for long-term behavioural change through various health schemes and initiatives, encouraging citizens to eat better, move more, and embrace a healthier lifestyle.

Source: The Times of India