Awareness Programme on Food Safety and Food Fortification Conducted at Manjusri Public School

Manjusri Public School, Temi–Tarku, Namchi, hosted an informative Awareness Programme on Food Safety and Food Fortification with the objective of promoting safe food practices and creating awareness about the importance of fortified foods for improved nutrition and public health. The programme was organized at the invitation of the Principal and witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, teachers, and staff. Resource persons from the State Food Testing Laboratory (SFTL), including the Technical Officer and Assistant Researcher, conducted engaging sessions on various aspects of food safety. They explained the significance of maintaining food quality, identifying common food adulterants, and understanding the health benefits of consuming fortified food products. Their expert guidance provided participants with practical knowledge on making informed and healthier food choices. A key highlight of the programme was a live demonstration on simple methods of detecting food adulteration using easily available techniques. The team also carried out on-the-spot testing of cooking oil and water samples collected from the school's mess kitchen, emphasizing the importance of regular quality checks in ensuring safe and hygienic food for the school community. The programme concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, during which students, teachers, and the Principal actively engaged with the resource persons by discussing food safety practices, healthy eating habits, and the role of food fortification in preventing nutritional deficiencies. The awareness programme successfully reinforced the importance of collective responsibility in ensuring food safety and encouraged the adoption of safe, healthy, and nutritious dietary practices within the school community.