The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have designated June 7th, 2023, as World Food Safety Day 2023, emphasizing the imperative role of food standards in safeguarding lives. With the tagline “Food Standards Save Lives,” the global initiative seeks to raise awareness among the population about the significance of food safety and the detrimental effects of consuming unsafe food, which range from common ailments such as diarrhea to more severe conditions like cancer.
Responding to this global call, the CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) in Mysuru, India, a constituent laboratory of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research under the Ministry of Science and Technology, took the opportunity to celebrate the event on its campus on June 7th, 2023, with the aim of enlightening students.
The event commenced with the formal inauguration by Dr. Navin Kumar Rastogi, Chief Scientist & Director-in-Charge of CSIR-CFTRI. In his address to the gathered audience, he emphasized the importance of World Food Safety Day 2023, shedding light on its significance and the multitude of benefits it brings to society at large.
In the Department of Food Safety & Analytical Quality Control Laboratory at CSIR-CFTRI, meticulous arrangements were made to mark the celebration of World Food Safety Day on June 7th, 2023. A group of esteemed scientists, technologists, scholars, and research students came together to organize a series of demonstrations focusing on the detection of adulterants in various food items, including edible oils, spice products, sweets, milk, and honey.
The event showcased the utilization of cutting-edge analytical instruments commonly employed in food safety laboratories, such as EA-IRMS, LC-MS/MS, GC, HPLC, GC-MS/MS, and ICP-AES. Attendees had the opportunity to witness these instruments in action, gaining valuable insights into their functions and significance.
To further emphasize the importance of food hygiene and microbial safety, a separate demonstration was arranged, shedding light on the critical practices and precautions necessary to maintain the safety of food products. Alongside the demonstrations, a collection of informative posters addressing vital topics such as food regulation, food labeling and nutritional labeling, as well as food additives and contaminants, were exhibited, providing valuable educational resources to the participants.
The event garnered enthusiastic participation from over 150 students representing various colleges, including St. Philomena’s College, JSS College, Jnanodaya PU College, and more, from the city of Mysore. The students exhibited great interest and engagement throughout the program, displaying their eagerness to learn and actively participate in the promotion of food safety practices.
The celebration of World Food Safety Day 2023 at CSIR-CFTRI served as an important platform for disseminating knowledge and raising awareness about the significance of adhering to food safety standards. By showcasing the detection of adulterants in food items and highlighting the role of advanced analytical instruments, the event equipped participants with valuable insights into the processes and precautions involved in ensuring the safety of the food we consume.
Moreover, by emphasizing food hygiene and microbial safety, attendees gained a comprehensive understanding of the practices required to prevent foodborne illnesses and maintain the overall well-being of consumers.
Through their proactive involvement in celebrating World Food Safety Day 2023, CSIR-CFTRI and its team of dedicated scientists, technologists, scholars, and research students have made significant strides in promoting food safety awareness. By inspiring and educating the next generation of food professionals, the institute continues to contribute to the overall betterment.
