Propagate FSSAI’s food safety messages among students: UGC to universities

The initiative is aimed to educate students about the importance of food safety practices and empower them with the knowledge and skills to make informed choices regarding their dietary habits.

The Higher Education lnstitutions (HEIs) are requested to initiate the propagation of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) messages on healthy food habits, information, and education campaigns among students, the University Grants Commission (UGC) said in an official notice.

The FSSAI, India’s apex food regulator under the aegis of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has been sharing updates on healthy food habits, information, and education campaigns to educate and empower consumers, alerts related to foodborne illness through its social media handles.

The initiative is aimed to educate students about the importance of food safety practices and empower them with the knowledge and skills to make informed choices regarding their dietary habits.

“....food safety is a critical aspect of public health and its significance cannot be overstated. Every year, millions of people worldwide suffer from foodborne illness due to improper handling, storage, or preparation of food. Students, in particular, are vulnerable to these risks, given their often hectic schedules and reliance on ready-to-eat foods,” the UGC notice said.

“The Higher Education lnstitutions are requested to initiate propagation of FSSAI messages and support food safety initiatives which will foster a culture of Food safety consciousness and promote the wellbeing of the student community,” it added.