With an aim to realise the vision of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to develop a healthy society and make the state a ‘Rangla Punjab’ again, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh on Wednesday, highlighted the importance of returning to natural farming practices, stating that in earlier times, agricultural fields thrived without chemical pesticides and fertilizers, relying instead on earthworms and frogs as natural fertilizers to produce nutritious food.
The Health Minister was addressing the event organised by Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) Punjab to mark the ‘World Food Safety Day-2025’ in line with the global theme for the year, “Food Safety: Science in Action”. The event, organised at Mahatama Gandhi Institute of Public Administration (MGSIPA) here, witnessed a series of expert-led sessions, shedding light on various aspects of food safety in the context of Punjab.
Emphasising the critical link between soil health and human well-being during his address, Dr Balbir Singh advocated for fresh and organic food, calling it the foundation of good health. Sharing his personal commitment to clean eating, he revealed that he practices kitchen gardening at home to ensure access to chemical-free and nutrient-rich food. He also stressed the importance of hygienic cooking and food preparation to prevent contamination and food borne illnesses.
Underlining the responsibility of the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), the Minister directed officials to strengthen food safety mechanisms by upgrading laboratories and ensuring strict enforcement against adulteration. "Merely collecting food samples is not enough; the FDA must ensure that every citizen receives pure and unadulterated food," he asserted. He further instructed officials to conduct regular awareness drives to educate food vendors on maintaining hygiene standards.
To empower citizens in ensuring food safety, Dr Balbir Singh encouraged the public to make maximum use of Mobile Food Testing Vans, which are equipped to examine over 150 parameters in milk, paneer, spices, and other daily consumables. "These vans are a crucial tool in our fight against food adulteration—I urge every individual to get their food tested," he said.
The Minister also emphasised the need for balanced diets and informed dietary choices, urging the FDA to intensify public education campaigns on nutrition and government health initiatives.
Concluding his address, Dr Balbir Singh appealed to all Punjabis to adopt the "Eat Right, Stay Healthy" approach and contribute to building a healthier, and nutritionally secure Punjab.
Earlier, Commissioner FDA Punjab Dilraj Singh shared insights into the department's ongoing efforts in promoting food safety through scientific enforcement and public awareness.
Vice Chancellor of GADVASU Dr JPS Gill, during his address emphasised the integration of scientific practices with local food systems to ensure 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, spoke about the prevalence and management of food-borne illnesses in the state. Dr Manvesh, Assistant Professor at GADVASU, addressed concerns related to adulteration in milk and milk products, identifying it as a major food safety issue in the region.
Representatives from the food industry also contributed valuable perspectives during the event with Director Scientific & Regulatory at Pepsico Shaminder Pal Singh and Managing Director of Nik Bakers Vinod Mittal highlighting the industry roles and initiatives in upholding food safety standards. The event also featured an engaging session with millet-based food entrepreneurs from Healthy Earth and a special chef talk by internationally acclaimed chef Vikas Khanna, who highlighted the intersection of food heritage, nutrition, and safety.
Chairman Food Commission Punjab Bal Mukand Sharma, Joint Commissioner Food Safety Dr Amit Joshi and Director Labs Food Safety Punjab Ravneet Kaur were among the other prominent persons, who attended the event.
