Manipal Hospital, Dhakuria, observed World Food Safety Day with an awareness session centered around the key theme, From Burden to Solutions: Safe Food Everywhere, in order to address the significance of promoting safe food practices and safeguarding public health. The purpose of this session was to discuss the significance of food safety, hygiene, and preventive measures that can lessen the rising prevalence of foodborne illnesses.

The event was graced by Dr. Goutam Das- Consultant, Gastroenterology, Manipal Hospital, Dhakuria, Dr. Debottam Bandhopadhyay- Consultant, Gastroenterology Medical, Manipal Hospital, Dhakuria, Vijaya Agrawal- Chief Dietitian, Manipal Hospital, Dhakuria, and Sunanda Ghosh- Clinical Dietitian, Manipal Hospital, Dhakuria.

The experts offered insightful advice on how to handle food safely, how to keep oneself clean on a daily basis, and how important it is to eat a balanced diet. Additionally, over fifteen senior citizens and students from the Bhawanipore Global Campus took part in this session. The session featured interactive memory games and food safety awareness exercises to increase participation and learning, followed by a prize distribution ceremony for the winners.

Foodborne illnesses are a national and international concern, and the session focused on how they negatively impact public health.

Preventing foodborne illnesses is only one aspect of food safety; another is making sure people get the right nutrition in the safest way possible. When it comes to meal planning and food hygiene, vulnerable populations like children, pregnant women, the elderly, and patients with chronic illnesses need extra care. Preventing contamination and infections is largely dependent on freshly prepared meals, a balanced diet with enough fruits, vegetables, and proteins, and good kitchen hygiene.

When consuming packaged or ready-to-eat food, consumers should pay particular attention to food quality and hygiene. Important practices that can help prevent infections while ensuring optimal nutritional benefits include checking expiration dates, properly reheating stored food, avoiding unsanitary street food and beverages, and limiting consumption of highly processed and junk food. Raising awareness of food safety is crucial for improving community and family health as well as individual well-being.

Food safety awareness should start at home and permeate daily routines. The risk of foodborne illnesses and their long-term health effects can be considerably decreased by taking easy steps like thoroughly cleaning fruits and vegetables, cutting back on fast food, eating freshly prepared meals, and storing food correctly.

Priyanka Dutta