Goa ranks first infood safety index forfifth consecutive time

Staff Reporter

Panaji

Goa has ranked first in the State Food Safety Index for the fifth consecutive time in the smaller states category.

Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya honoured the team of Goa Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) on Wednesday.

The food safety index award was presented by Dr. Mandaviya to Goa FDA director Jyoti Sardesai at an event held at the Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi on the occasion of World Food Safety Day.

Goa emerged as the leader among the smaller states followed by Manipur and Sikkim.

Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi and Chandigarh secured the first, second and third ranks, respectively among the Union territories. Among the larger states, Kerala secured the top ranking followed by Punjab and Tamil Nadu.

Dr. Mandaviya also commended the states that demonstrated a significant improvement in their food safety index scores. The event was also attended by Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel.

Recognising the achievements of various states and Union territories, Dr. Mandaviya felicitated the winners based on their rankings for the year 2022-23.

Dr. Mandaviya announced that 25 lakh food business operators will be trained by the Foods Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) in the next three years to ensure that food quality standards are met across the country.

He also announced the setting up of 100 food streets across the country. He said these food streets will meet quality benchmark for food safety, hygiene and nutrition. “Food quality is a part of wellness.” Dr. Mandaviya said.