Report 

The Malerkotla administration in Punjab has teamed up with social and constitutional organizations to raise awareness about the importance of adhering to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) guidelines. Local food businesses have committed to adopting standardized practices for food production and management, ensuring the quality and integrity of their products through preventive measures.

Commitment from Local Food Businesses

Food operators made a formal commitment to uphold food safety standards through a series of regional events. In response to a call from top officials in the health and food safety sectors, they took an oath to comply with FSSAI regulations. Dr Harpreet Kaur, Assistant Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, and Food Safety Officer Charanjit Singh led the initiative and played pivotal roles in driving the campaign.

Encouraging Family Involvement in Food Safety

Food operators not only took the oath but also encouraged their families to uphold food safety standards at home. Representatives from the Food and Drug Administration educated attendees on essential protocols for preventing pathogen transmission, maintaining personal hygiene, and avoiding contamination during food preparation. They also stressed the importance of proper packaging, storage, and displaying required certificates and licenses. Additionally, the speakers emphasized the need for regular health check-ups for employees, the use of approved food colours, and adherence to mandatory FSSAI licensing.

Workshops and Ongoing Support for Food Operators

To further support food operators, Ashok Verma, Secretary of the Rotary Club, shared that President Venu Gopal Sharma and Project Chairman Deepak Sharma organized workshops and seminars. These events aimed to educate food operators on maintaining the purity and quality of their products. Volunteer teams were formed to offer ongoing support, facilitating additional training and raising awareness throughout the region.

Training and Encouragement for Food Operators

Prominent speakers, including Dr. Harpreet Kaur, Charanjit Singh, and Food Safety Trainer Huma Tanseem, encouraged food operators and handlers to take full advantage of government resources aimed at fostering entrepreneurship while ensuring public health remains a top priority. They advised food preparation staff to wear essential safety equipment, such as caps, aprons, and masks, to maintain hygiene standards and prevent contamination.

Customized Training for Food Service Operators

Throughout these events, food service operators, managers, and employees from various sectors—including restaurants, fast food outlets, school canteens, factories, and mid-day meal staff—received tailored training to address the specific needs of their fields. The activities were designed not only to raise awareness of food safety standards but also to inspire compliance and encourage long-term adherence to best practices in food handling and management.

Source: The Tribune