UGC urges higher institutions to support FSSAI's food safety initiatives for well-being of student community

NEW DELHI: The University Grants Commission (UGC) issued a letter to the Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs), encouraging them to disseminate messages of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regarding food safety and promote related initiatives among the students.

In the letter, UGC Secretary Manish Joshi emphasizes the problem of foodborne diseases, which annually impact millions globally owing to mishandling, inadequate storage, or improper preparation of food. Joshi highlights that student, given their busy schedules and frequent consumption of ready-to-eat meals, are particularly vulnerable to these risks.

FSSAI's initiatives

Highlighting about the risk of foodborne illness, the UGC official notice further read, " In this regard, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the country's apex food regulator under the aegis of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has been sharing updates on healthy food habits, information, and educational campaigns to educate and empower consumers, alerts related to foodborne illness through its social media handles."

As per the official notice from the UGC, the FSSAI initiative aims to educate students about the significance of food safety measures, empowering them with the necessary knowledge and abilities to make informed decisions about their dietary preferences.

UGC urges HEIs to spread FSSAI’s message on food safety

To support this initiative, the UGC has asked higher education institutions to play an active role in disseminating the FSSAI's messages. Institutions are urged to include these topics into their communications and activities, promoting a culture of food safety awareness among the student population.

"The Higher Education institutions are requested to initiate the propagation of FSSAI messages and support food safety initiatives that will foster a culture of Food safety consciousness and promote the wellbeing of the student community," the notice read.