FDA MUST ENSURE THAT EVERY CITIZEN IN PUNJAB RECEIVES PURE AND UNADULTERATED FOOD: DR BALBIR SINGH
Chandigarh, June 18: Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh, on Wednesday, highlighted the importance of returning to natural farming practices. The event was held to mark the ‘World Food Safety Day-2025’. This aims to realize Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s vision of developing a healthy society. It also aims to make the state a ‘Rangla Punjab’ again. He stated that in earlier times, agricultural fields thrived without chemical pesticides and fertilizers. These fields relied instead on earthworms and frogs as natural fertilizers to produce nutritious food.
Fresh, Stay Healthy: Punjab’s Call on World Food Safety Day
The Health Minister was addressing the event organised by Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) Punjab. The event was held to mark the ‘World Food Safety Day-2025’. This was in line with the global theme for the year, “Food Safety: Science in Action”. The event took place at Mahatama Gandhi Institute of Public Administration (MGSIPA) here. It witnessed a series of expert-led sessions. These sessions shed light on various aspects of food safety in the context of Punjab.
Dr Balbir Singh emphasised the critical link between soil health and human well-being during his address. He advocated for fresh and organic food. He called it the foundation of good health. Sharing his personal commitment to clean eating, he revealed that he practices kitchen gardening at home to ensure access to chemical-free and nutrient-rich food. He also stressed the importance of hygienic cooking and food preparation to prevent contamination and food borne illnesses.
The Minister highlighted the responsibility of the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA). He directed officials to strengthen food safety mechanisms. This includes upgrading laboratories and ensuring strict enforcement against adulteration. “Merely collecting food samples is not enough,” he asserted. “The FDA must ensure that every citizen receives pure and unadulterated food.” He further instructed officials to conduct regular awareness drives to educate food vendors on maintaining hygiene standards.
The Minister also emphasised the need for balanced diets. He stressed the importance of informed dietary choices. The Minister urged the FDA to intensify public education campaigns on nutrition. He highlighted the importance of government health initiatives.
Concluding his address, Dr Balbir Singh appealed to all Punjabis to adopt the “Eat Right, Stay Healthy” approach. He urged everyone to contribute to building a healthier and nutritionally secure Punjab.
Dr Balbir Singh wants to empower citizens in ensuring food safety. He encouraged the public to make maximum use of Mobile Food Testing Vans. These vans can examine over 150 parameters in milk, paneer, spices, and other daily consumables. “These vans are a crucial tool in our fight against food adulteration. I urge every individual to get their food tested,” he said.
Earlier, Commissioner FDA Punjab Dilraj Singh shared insights. He discussed the department’s ongoing efforts in promoting food safety. This is being achieved through scientific enforcement and public awareness.
Vice Chancellor of GADVASU Dr JPS Gill, during his address, emphasised integrating scientific practices with local food systems. This ensures long-term safety and sustainability.
Dr Poonam Khanna from PGI Chandigarh presented data on the nutritional status of men, women, and children in Punjab. Niharika from the Directorate of Health Services, Punjab, spoke about the prevalence and management of food-borne illnesses in the state. Manvesh, Assistant Professor at GADVASU, addressed concerns related to adulteration in milk. He discussed milk products and identified adulteration as a major food safety issue in the region.
Representatives from the food industry also contributed valuable perspectives during the event. Director Scientific & Regulatory at Pepsico Shaminder Pal Singh presented the industry roles. Managing Director of Nik Bakers Vinod Mittal also emphasized these roles. They also discussed initiatives in upholding food safety standards. The event featured an engaging session with millet-based food entrepreneurs from Healthy Earth. There was also a special chef talk by internationally acclaimed chef Vikas Khanna. He highlighted the intersection of food heritage, nutrition, and safety.
Chairman Food Commission Punjab Bal Mukand Sharma attended the event. Joint Commissioner Food Safety Dr Amit Joshi attended as well. Director Labs Food Safety Punjab Ravneet Kaur was also among the other prominent persons there.z
