SAMBA: District Level Advisory Committee (DLAC) meeting on Food Safety, Healthy Diet, and Eat Right initiatives was held under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Samba, Rajesh Sharma, at District Headquarters Samba. The meeting aimed at ensuring the effective implementation of the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA), its rules, regulations, and the guidelines framed by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) in District Samba.
At the outset, Assistant Commissioner Food Safety, Rajan Kapoor, with permission of the Chair, briefed the committee members, including Programme Officer ICDS, Chief Medical Officer Samba, Chief Education Officer Samba, Chief Agriculture Officer Samba, AD Food & Civil Supplies, and other officials, about the current food safety parameters in the district. He outlined the initiatives undertaken by the Department of Food Safety (DFCO) Samba to ensure the availability of safe, pure, hygienic, and high-quality food for the general public.
During the meeting, Rajan Kapoor highlighted the various components of the Eat Right movement, including surveillance drives, Mobile Food Testing Vans (MFTV), Food Safety Training and Certification (FoSTaC), Hygiene Ratings, RUCO (Repurpose Used Cooking Oil), and BHOG (Blissful Hygienic Offering to God). He also emphasized capacity-building initiatives like training programs for ASHA workers and Anganwadi workers, who are being equipped with toolkits to further promote food safety awareness at the grassroots level. Additionally, the importance of food fortification under government programs such as ICDS, the Public Distribution System (PDS) and Mid-Day Meals was discussed as a solution to tackle nutritional deficiencies.
The meeting also delved into the health hazards arising from food safety violations and the use of tobacco products. The enforcement of COPTA (Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act) was discussed at length as a necessary measure to ensure the welfare of society and promote healthier lifestyles.
Deputy Commissioner stressed the need for strict implementation of food safety standards across the district. He instructed the DLAC members to constitute special squads to conduct rigorous market inspections and ensure compliance with food safety regulations. He further emphasized the importance of enforcing food fortification in ICDS centers and Mid-Day Meal programs to overcome nutrient deficiencies in food. Highlighting the role of education and awareness, he called for organizing training workshops and programs for food vendors, business owners, and stakeholders to ensure adherence to food quality standards.
The meeting was attended by Programme Officer ICDS, General Manager DIC, Chief Medical Officer, Chief Education Officer, representatives of the Chief Agriculture Office, Tehsil Supply Officer, two professionals on Food Safety and Nutrition, Food Safety Officer (HQ), Food Safety Officers of DFCO Samba, and other concerned officials.
