— In a landmark achievement, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has certified close to 100 jails across the nation as 'Eat Right Campuses,' underscoring a significant stride in promoting safe and healthy eating environments within correctional facilities.
In an official statement released on Thursday, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare highlighted that this achievement is in line with FSSAI's overarching initiative, the Eat Right India movement. This movement is committed to promoting safe, healthy, and sustainable food practices across diverse workplaces and institutions.
Participation in the initiative was notable, with several prominent jails, including Tihar Prison (Delhi), Central Jail Gaya (Bihar), Modern Central Jail (Punjab), and Central Jail Rewa (Madhya Pradesh), among others, obtaining certification. The highest number of certified jails hailed from Uttar Pradesh, followed by Punjab, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh.
The rigorous 'Eat Right Campus' certification process involved meticulous assessment and adherence to FSSAI's prescribed evaluation criteria, reflecting a commitment to ensuring access to safe and nutritious food for inmates and prison staff alike.
Certified jails demonstrated dedication to promoting food safety and inmate well-being, contributing significantly to a broader cultural shift towards safer food environments nationwide.
Under the certification process, participant jail campuses underwent comprehensive audits to ensure compliance with four key parameters, including basic hygiene criteria, provision of healthy food, and efforts to raise awareness about local and seasonal food.
Following self-assessment or third-party audits, campus administrations addressed identified gaps, including training Food Safety Supervisors and food handlers through FSSAI's Food Safety Training and Certification (FoSTaC) Programme.
Over 2,900 workplaces nationwide have been acknowledged as Eat Right Campuses, positively impacting the lives of individuals within these settings. FSSAI continues to collaborate with institutions across sectors, aiming to foster a culture of well-being and ensure universal access to healthy and hygienic food.
The successful certification of jails as Eat Right Campuses marks a significant step forward in prioritizing food safety and nutrition within correctional facilities, emphasizing the importance of promoting healthy eating habits and ensuring the well-being of inmates and staff.
Follow us
