FOOD SAFETY TRAINING – 08.06.2009 TO 11.06.2009

As per orders of Commissioner, Civil Supplies & Consumer Protection Department in R.C.No. CA1/13641/2009, dated 20.05.2009 Thiruvalargal R.Veeramanikandan, ACCS, M.Balarubramaniam, ACCS, Md.Akbar, ACCS, T.Shanmugavelu, Superintendent and Sampath, Assistant have attended four days Orientation Course on Food Safety and Hygiene conducted by National Institute of Public Co-operation and Child Development in its institute premises at Bangalore from 08th June 2009 to 11th June 2009.

The Regional Director Dr. M.S.Tara and Assistant Director Dr. G.Jyothi, who were the Co-ordinators of the said training appreciated the attention provided by Government of Tamil Nadu and intimated that Tamil Nadu is the first State to send information regarding the officials nominated for the said training.

Along with the five officials from Tamil Nadu, 40 other participants from Government Departments, Non Governmental Orgnisations, Research Scholars from the States of Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka and Pondicherry attended the said training totaling 45 participants altogether.

The sessions were handled by Technicians from Food Analytical Labs (CFTRI and Govt. Public Health Labs), NGOs propagating awareness on food safety and hygiene and Director / Assistant Director of NIPCCD. Sessions include lectures, power point presentations and practical demonstration regarding food adulteration, contamination and availability of toxic contents in food items, HACCP, laws relating to food including PFA, Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, etc. The power point presentations were found to be very useful and a soft copy of the same has been obtained for our future use.

As a part of the training the participants were taken to the modern kitchen of “Akshya Pathra” having ISO certification run by an NGO for preparing mid day meals for the school children of Karnataka District to witness safe food preparation.

While interaction with participants following activities taken up by our Government towards consumer protection with special reference to food safety were explained in detail Action plan drafted in consultation with all stake holders in pursuance of receipt of

information from GOI, Ministry of Food Processing Industries observing 2008-2009 as year of “Food Safety and Quality”

Inclusion of food safety awareness as a part of all our programmes like SHG Training, Consumerfest etc.

Production and distribution of DVD short films on Consumer Protection which includes some films on food safety (A DVD given to Co-ordinator)

Requests made to authorities of education department for avoiding junk food at school / college canteens and propagation to young students regarding safe food habits

Availability of alternate disputes redressal mechanism and complaint management system through our web site

Regular drawal and analysis of food samples and further action under PFA as well as under CPA – reference has been made regarding our Tea Case.

The Co-ordinators and participants appreciated effective efforts taken up by Government of Tamil Nadu and enquired regarding the modalities we follow so as to implement them in their own States. Our web site and contact e-mail addresses provided to all participants for future contacts.

It has been suggested to include Rights and Responsibilities of Consumers with reference to Consumer Protection Act as part of curriculam.

On interaction with fellow participants and faculty members the following points need urgent action as far as our State is concerned.

1. Availability of salt without iodine in some parts of State especially in rural areas

2. Availability of Vadams with strong colours which are reportedly having non permitted colours upto 400 PPM injuring the lever of consumers

3. Usage of low quality plastic bags for packing hot sambar, kuruma etc. even in big hotels.