The UGC, the FSSAI initiative aims to educate students about the importance of food safety measures, providing them with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed decisions about their dietary choices
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has sent a letter to Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) urging them to promote food safety messages and initiatives from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) among students. UGC Secretary Manish Joshi stressed the issue of foodborne diseases, which affect millions globally each year due to mishandling, inadequate storage, or improper food preparation. Joshi pointed out that students, with their busy schedules and frequent consumption of ready-to-eat meals, are particularly susceptible to these risks.
The UGC’s official notice also highlighted the risk of foodborne illness, stating, “In this regard, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the country’s top food regulator under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, has been sharing updates on healthy food habits, information, and educational campaigns to educate and empower consumers, as well as alerts related to foodborne illness through its social media channels.”
According to the UGC, the FSSAI initiative aims to educate students about the importance of food safety measures, providing them with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed decisions about their dietary choices.