Punjab Vidhan Sabha Hosts ‘Eat Right’ Mela to Promote Safe and Healthy Eating
The Punjab Food and Drugs Administration organized an ‘Eat Right’ Mela at the Punjab Vidhan Sabha Complex on Thursday to raise awareness about food safety, healthy diets, and sustainable eating habits.
Held under the guidance of Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan and Health & Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh, the event witnessed enthusiastic participation from self-help groups, food industry innovators, and dieticians from PGI, among other stakeholders.
Focus on Millets and Organic Foods
Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh highlighted that the mela emphasized the benefits of millets and organic foods, with dishes such as millet khichri, millet shakes, and millet halwa being served. Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan, along with Cabinet Ministers and MLAs, also participated in a millet-based lunch to promote healthy eating habits.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Balbir Singh stressed the importance of safe and nutritious diets for overall well-being. He noted that the ‘Eat Right’ Mela serves as an essential platform for educating citizens on food safety, dietary choices, and government health initiatives. He also encouraged Ministers and MLAs to utilize the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) services in their constituencies for food testing, training, and awareness programs.
Commitment to Food Safety
Reinforcing Punjab’s dedication to food safety, the Health Minister announced that the FDA has deployed 23 mobile food testing vans across the state. These vans are equipped with advanced technology to test over 150 food parameters, including milk, water, beverages, cereals, spices, and condiments.
This event marked the sixth ‘Eat Right’ Mela of the 2024-25 financial year, showcasing the state’s commitment to fostering a culture of safe, healthy, and sustainable diets. The Food Safety Wing is driving this initiative under three key themes:
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Safe Food: “If it’s not safe, it’s not food.”
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Healthy Diets: “Food should nourish both body and mind.”
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Sustainable Diets: “Food must be good for people and the planet.”
Interactive and Informative Sessions
The mela featured quick adulteration tests, expert dietary consultations, and information on various government health schemes, making it an engaging and educational experience for attendees.
Prominent officials present at the event included Principal Secretary Health Sh. Kumar Rahul and FDA Commissioner Sh. Dilraj Singh.
In his concluding remarks, Dr. Balbir Singh urged Punjabis to “Eat Right, Stay Healthy” and support the state’s vision of a healthier, drug-free, and nutritionally secure Punjab.