Mysuru, March 05, 2020: The JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research (JSS AHER), and the Department of Nutrition & Dietetics, FLS, had organized a one-day NUTRI-EXPO 2020, on the theme “Food Safety & Food Adulteration,” on March 3, 2020, in collaboration with the Department of Nutrition & Dietetics, JSS Medical College, Defence Food Research Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Govt. of India and CSIR-Central Food Research Technological Institute, Mysuru. The event aims to enhance the nutritional and health awareness among students, health care professionals, and the public.
The Expo was inaugurated by Sri K. Chandramouli, I.A.S. (Retd.), Former Secretary, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, and Former Chairman, Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), Govt. of India, in the presence of Prof. Bejon Kumar Misra, International Consumer Policy Expert, New Delhi, India, and other dignitaries. Dr. Suresh B., Hon’ble Pro-Chancellor, JSS AHER, along with Dr. Surinder Singh, Vice-Chancellor, JSS AHER, Mysuru, and Dr. Manjunatha B., Registrar, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru, presided over the programme.
Chief guest Sri K. Chandramouli, in his address, included highlights on the functioning and salient features, regulations of FSSAI, India. He also focused on the details of the FSS Act 2006, explaining 12 chapters which included an introduction about FSSAI, principles, provisions, analysis of foods, penalties, and food safety appellate tribunal.
Prof. Bejon Kumar Misra, Guest of honor, spoke on the roles and responsibilities of the younger generation in following and creating awareness about food consumption patterns and food adulteration. Both speakers highlighted the importance of consumer awareness and participation in bringing down the incidence of food adulteration. The Pro-Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor emphasized on the role of nutrition & dietetics in preventing foodborne illness, preparation of RTE regional specific cuisines prepared and packed using safe technology without adding any harmful preservatives.
Students of various colleges of Mysuru City, health professionals and citizens thronged the Expo. The stalls opened by the host institution projected educational aids, promoting health and right eating practices, educating how to read food labeling, food storage and packaging technology. One stall was dedicated to educate and demonstrate the adverse effects of consuming high sugar, salt, and fatty foods and junk foods. Three stalls demonstrated simple techniques of identifying food adulteration in commonly consumed foods such as cereals, pulses, fresh and dehydrated fruits, and vegetables, milk, spices, and various flours and different types of oils. The methods to identify adulteration were according to FSSAI, which common people can follow in their houses. The main motto of the department stalls was to create awareness about the adverse effects of consuming junk food and adulterated food, to educate people to identify quality food and bring awareness about Indian food laws, and regulations. The nutritional assessment focused on understanding the importance of a healthy diet, functional foods, and nutraceuticals. Food stalls set up by students illustrated on modifying junk foods to healthy snacks.
The stall from CSIR-CFTRI displayed the potable adulteration detection kit which was designed by the institute. DRDO-DFRL stall exhibited different RTEs developed by them for defence personnel. The Department of Nutrition & Dietetics, JSS hospital stalls displayed healthy diets for pre and post-natal diets for women. The stall opened by the JSS Nursing College, highlighted the importance of personal hygiene and menstrual hygiene. The Expo concluded with a valedictory function, followed by cultural programs.
