Nauni University Marks World Food Safety Day with Awareness and Innovation Focus

Solan June 08

The Department of Food Science and Technology at Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, organized a special programme on Saturday evening to commemorate World Food Safety Day, observed globally every year on June 7. This year’s theme, ‘Food Safety: Science in Action,’ emphasized the role of scientific innovation and collective responsibility in ensuring food safety from farm to fork.

Dr. Manish Sharma, Dean of the College of Horticulture, graced the occasion as Chief Guest. In his welcome address, Dr. Rakesh Sharma, Head of the Department, stressed the significance of this global observance in raising awareness about food safety and fostering cooperation among governments, producers, and consumers. He briefed the audience on the origin of World Food Safety Day, which was declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 2018, with the first observance taking place in 2019. The day aims to promote actions that help prevent, detect, and manage foodborne risks, contributing to food security, human health, economic prosperity, and sustainable development.

In his address, Dr. Manish Sharma highlighted the urgent need to address food safety concerns in India, particularly in the face of growing urbanization and a vast informal food sector. He noted a rise in food adulteration cases—from 15% in 2012 to 28% in 2024, underscoring the need for stronger regulatory mechanisms, enhanced public awareness, and greater investment in food testing infrastructure. He called upon researchers and faculty to develop low-cost, user-friendly technologies for detecting adulteration and ensuring safe food for the general public. He also pointed out the vast potential for startups and trained professionals in the field of food safety, particularly in light of limited availability of food safety officers and certified laboratories.

To engage students and promote creative expression on the topic, the department organized various competitions, including short video making, poster design, and slogan writing. The winners in each category were felicitated with a cash prize of ₹1000, along with a memento and certificate of merit. The winners included Jyoti (Short Video), Aditi Sharma (Poster), and Yashita Sharma (Slogan).