Health Minister Promotes Natural Food Practices at World Food Safety Day Event
- FDA Must Ensure Pure and Unadulterated Food for Every Citizen in Punjab: Dr. Balbir Singh
- Health Minister Urges Public to Utilize Mobile Food Testing Vans
Chandigarh, June 18
In line with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s vision to foster a healthy society and restore Punjab as a vibrant ‘Rangla Punjab,’ Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh emphasized the importance of reverting to natural farming practices during the ‘World Food Safety Day-2025’ event. He noted that in earlier times, agricultural fields flourished without chemical pesticides or fertilizers, relying on natural elements like earthworms and frogs to produce nutritious food.
Speaking at the event organized by the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) Punjab at the Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Public Administration (MGSIPA) under the global theme “Food Safety: Science in Action,” Dr. Balbir Singh highlighted the vital connection between soil health and human well-being. He advocated for fresh, organic food as the cornerstone of good health, sharing that he practices kitchen gardening at home to access chemical-free, nutrient-rich food. He also stressed the need for hygienic cooking and food preparation to prevent contamination and foodborne illnesses.
Dr. Balbir Singh directed FDA officials to strengthen food safety mechanisms by upgrading laboratories and enforcing strict measures against adulteration. “Merely collecting food samples is insufficient; the FDA must ensure every citizen receives pure, unadulterated food,” he stated. He further instructed officials to conduct regular awareness campaigns to educate food vendors on hygiene standards.
To enhance public participation in food safety, the Minister encouraged citizens to make full use of Mobile Food Testing Vans, capable of testing over 150 parameters in milk, paneer, spices, and other daily consumables. “These vans are a key tool in combating food adulteration, and I urge everyone to get their food tested,” he said.
Dr. Balbir Singh also emphasized the importance of balanced diets and informed dietary choices, urging the FDA to intensify public education campaigns on nutrition and government health initiatives. He concluded by appealing to Punjabis to adopt the “Eat Right, Stay Healthy” approach to build a healthier, nutritionally secure Punjab.
watch…..https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBxcT7mpVSA
Commissioner FDA Punjab, Dilraj Singh, shared details of the department’s efforts in promoting food safety through scientific enforcement and public awareness. Vice-Chancellor of GADVASU, Dr. JPS Gill, highlighted the integration of scientific practices with local food systems for long-term safety and sustainability.
Dr. Poonam Khanna from PGI Chandigarh presented data on the nutritional status of men, women, and children in Punjab, while Dr. Niharika from the Directorate of Health Services, Punjab, discussed the prevalence and management of foodborne illnesses. Dr. Manvesh, Assistant Professor at GADVASU, addressed concerns about adulteration in milk and milk products, identifying it as a significant food safety issue in the region.
Representatives from the food industry, including Director Scientific & Regulatory at Pepsico, Shaminder Pal Singh, and Managing Director of Nik Bakers, Vinod Mittal, shared insights on industry roles in upholding food safety standards. The event also featured a session with millet-based food entrepreneurs from Healthy Earth and a special talk by internationally acclaimed chef Vikas Khanna, who highlighted the connection between food heritage, nutrition, and safety.
Other notable attendees included Chairman Food Commission Punjab, Bal Mukand Sharma, Joint Commissioner Food Safety, Dr. Amit Joshi, and Director Labs Food Safety Punjab, Ravneet Kaur.
