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HomePosts Tagged "G Kamala Vardhana Rao"
AgroPolicy, Biofertilizers, India

FSSAI is extending financial assistance to Assam for the upgrading of laboratories dedicated to pesticide testing

In a significant move towards ensuring the safety and quality of tea production, G Kamala Vardhana Rao, CEO of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), addressed a gathering of Tea Growers and Tea Planters during an interactive session in Kellyden, Assam. The event saw active participation from key stakeholders including officials from FSSAI, the Tea Board, the Tea Research Institute, tea planters, tea processors, industry associations and the Food and Drug Department of the State.

The focal point of the discussion was enhancing traceability and testing measures for raw materials, emphasising the need for screening every batch for pesticide residues and adherence to Maximum Residue Limits (MRL) of pesticide usage as prescribed in the Food Safety and Standards Regulations of 2011 (FSSR). Rao emphasised the importance of adopting bio-pesticides and encouraged collaboration with the Tea Board for joint inspection, sampling and testing processes.

During the session, the Tea Board stressed the significance of awareness campaigns among planters to educate them about the maintenance of a harvesting gap to ensure safe agricultural practices. Planters raised concerns about the use of unauthorised pesticides in tea cultivation and urged the State Government to impose a ban on such substances. Processors advocated for the provision of rapid testing kits at the farm gate level to streamline pesticide testing. Scientific Panel members engaged in detailed deliberations on specific pesticides, monitoring procedures and the prevention of off-label use.

Notably, FSSAI is extending financial assistance to Assam for the upgrading of laboratories dedicated to pesticide testing. The need for regular interaction with all stakeholders and the formulation of a time-bound action plan to guarantee the availability of safe tea to consumers was also stressed during the meeting.

FSSAI is extending financial assistance to Assam

AgroPolicy, Foodgrains, Sustainability

Rajnath Singh Raksha Mantri & Dr Mansukh Mandaviya Health Minister unveil a book ‘Healthy Recipes for Defence’

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote the use of millet and healthy eating practices among the Armed Forces and ensure the availability of safe & nutritious food was signed in the presence of Rajnath Singh Raksha Mantri and Dr Mansukh Mandaviya Minister of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) in New Delhi. Both Ministers also unveiled a book titled ‘Healthy Recipes for Defence’ to promote the consumption of Shree Anna (millets) and its health benefits.

The MoU was signed by Director General (Supplies and Transport) Lieutenant General Preet Mohinder Singh on behalf of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and CEO, of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) G Kamala Vardhana Rao. It aims to create awareness about the nutritional benefits of diet diversity and millet-based food products among the personnel. The MoU will also pave the way for the introduction of millet-based menus in messes, canteens and other food outlets under the MoD.

This collaboration will also ensure the training of food handlers & chefs of mess, canteens of the Armed Forces and other food outlets on food safety and hygiene as per the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006. It signifies a shared commitment to the health and well-being of the Armed Forces to enable them to remain solid & resilient in their service to the nation. The MoU will also encourage the families of the Armed Forces and the community to adopt nutritious diets, make healthy food choices and maintain food safety.

 The book ‘Healthy Recipes for Defence’, developed by FSSAI, includes a range of millet-based dishes. It will be a valuable resource for different canteens and food outlets under the MoD. Given the challenging terrains and varied climatic conditions faced by the defence personnel, the significance of variety in diet assumes great importance. Millets are known for their nutritional value and can contribute to a well-balanced and diverse diet.

Rajnath Singh Raksha Mantri & Dr Mansukh