State government officials, regulatory bodies, and industry stakeholders deliberate on fortification, food quality, and behaviour change communication to advance nutrition outcomes
Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], August 18: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), under the aegis of the Eat Right India campaign, successfully concluded a state-level consultation in Ahmedabad today. The event, titled “Nourishing Minds, Shaping Futures – Strengthening Nutrition Security through Multi-Sectoral Convergence in Gujarat,” brought together senior government officials, regulatory bodies, and industry stakeholders to accelerate coordinated action against micronutrient deficiencies and advance the state’s journey from food security to comprehensive nutrition security.
The consultation facilitated focused discussions on strategies for improving nutrition outcomes across the state. Key sessions from Jiganasha Pandya, Mission Director, Poshan Abhiyan, Deepak Satarni, Joint Director, DPCS, Akshda Bane, Asst. Director (Technical), FSSAI, WCD, and Vipul Rana, Designated Officer, FSDA, addressed the national regulatory framework for food fortification, state-level implementation and enforcement, and the critical role of public health systems in integrating micronutrient interventions. The dialogue emphasized a lifecycle approach, with a spotlight on strengthening maternal and child nutrition through ICDS and POSHAN initiatives, as well as enhancing school nutrition programs.
In her inaugural address, Akshda Bane, Asst. Director (Technical), FSSAI emphasized the state government’s commitment to adopting evidence-based strategies to combat “hidden hunger.” She highlighted the importance of inter-departmental coordination in implementing interventions aimed at improving dietary diversity and the uptake of fortified staples. The session underscored the need for robust surveillance and industry engagement to ensure the quality and reach of fortified foods across Gujarat.
Departmental experience-sharing sessions provided a platform for pivotal departments to present their initiatives. The Food & Drugs Control Administration (FDCA) outlined its efforts in enforcement and market surveillance. Representatives from the Women & Child Development Department and the Department of School Education detailed their contributions to strengthening nutrition security through ICDS and PM POSHAN, respectively.
A key highlight of the event was the moderated open house discussion, which focused on developing a state roadmap for nutrition security through multi-sectoral convergence. Participants deliberated on addressing existing gaps, sharing innovations, and identifying opportunities for new programmes and partnerships. The discussion reinforced that combating hidden hunger is a shared societal responsibility, requiring collaborative action from all stakeholders through mutual exchange of experience and knowledge.
The consultation concluded with a summary of key recommendations, including strengthening last-mile delivery of fortified staples, enhancing community awareness through strategic communications, and establishing a robust monitoring framework for nutrition interventions. It was also suggested that a joint committee should be formed that will help understand the on-ground adoption and awareness challenges and percolate the solutions in a collaborative manner across departments.
The event witnessed active participation from over 80 stakeholders, including representatives from FSSAI, FDCA, the Women & Child Development Department, the Department of School Education, the Department of Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, food business operators (FBOs) and industry associations.
FSSAI remains dedicated to combating micronutrient deficiencies by promoting the consumption of fortified foods and ensuring stringent quality standards. With a strong focus on continuous engagement with all stakeholders, FSSAI aims to enhance public awareness, drive impactful action on nutrition, and support the success of flagship programs such as POSHAN 2.0 and Anaemia Mukt Bharat.
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