Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 10 December 2024
A meeting chaired by the Joint Commissioner (Food Safety) was convened in the chamber of the Additional District Magistrate (ADM), South Andaman on 06th December 2024, to encourage the consumption of millets and millet-based food products. The meeting witnessed the participation of bakehouse operators, grocery shop owners, other food vendors, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and Food Safety Officials.
During the meeting, SHGs were encouraged to market millet-based food items through bakery outlets, grocery stores, and other food vending points. Highlighting the nutritional value, health benefits, and taste of millet-based products, participants were urged to actively promote these foods as part of a healthy lifestyle. Food Business Operators (FBOs) were advised to designate a separate section in their outlets to display millet-based products. This initiative aims to promote healthier dietary choices while supporting the economic empowerment of rural women.
Additionally, FBOs were directed to maintain general sanitary and hygienic conditions at their business premises, ensuring strict adherence to the Food Safety and Standards Act. They were also instructed to monitor food packaging and labelling standards and implement regular audits of their premises. Emphasis was placed on providing adequate training to employees engaged in food business operations to ensure compliance with safety norms.
The meeting underscored the dual objective of fostering a healthy lifestyle and uplifting local communities through the promotion of millet-based food products.