“FSSAI will soon formulate guidelines for schools, hospitals, government canteens etc., to incorporate millets as nutritional options in the food menu”. This was stated by Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare as he unveiled FSSAI’s new year calendar which celebrates International Year of Millets 2023, in the presence of Minister of State (HFW), Dr. Bharti Pravin Pawar.
Explaining further, he suggested in hospitals where patients are treated, can be offered healthy food that would be nourishing, healthy and complement the treatment prescribed. He acknowledged that nearly all offices have some form of canteens in their establishment which serve as another means through which we can advent the perception of healthy eating to the people.
Highlighting that it was the vision of Hon. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi that led to observance of 2023 as International Year of Millets, popularly known as “wonder food” due to its numerous health benefits, he added that this year presents a unique opportunity to FSSAI wherein it can play a crucial role in enhancing awareness regarding millets and contributing to its integration in our daily lives.
Dr Mandaviya said “let us have a ‘Healthy Food Street or Food Hub’ in every town and district where millet-based recipes are available along with hygienic amenities”. He said FSSAI can play a leading role in implementing this.
The Union Health Minister reiterated that “India is poised to become the global hub for millets with a production of more than 170 lakh tonnes which makes for more than 80 % of the millets produced in Asia. The ‘International Year of Millets’ stands to provide a unique opportunity to increase global production, ensure efficient processing and consumption, promote better utilization of crop rotations and encourage better connectivity throughout food systems to promote millets as a key component of the food basket”
Shri G. Kamala Vardhana Rao, CEO, FSSAI, Ms. Inoshi Sharma, Executive Director, FSSAI along with senior officers of MoHFW were also present.