Diplomat Correspondent
Drass:DD, Government Degree College, Drass, successfully conducted a Food Safety Awareness and Testing Programme under the “Food Safety on Wheels” (FSW) initiative by Food Safety, Drugs and Food Control, Administration of UT Ladakh.
The aim of the programme was to raise awareness amongst students and faculty regarding food safety, adulteration, and simple testing methods for safer food practices.
A team of experts Gazanfar Ali (FSO, Drass), Shahnaz Zarah (FSO, Kargil), Shamsiya Khatoon (FSO, Chiktan), and Humaira Yasmeen (Food Analyst, UT Ladakh) graced the event with their expertise.
The programme commenced with a welcome note by Mir Ishfaq followed by a briefing on food safety by Shahnaz Zarah.
In her address to the students, she highlighted how food fortification and safety remains a concern in today’s world and how food choices affect the health of today’s generation.
Also, Humaira Yasmeen deliberated on identifying common adulterants using cost-effective home methods.
Students were later given hands on experience of identifying adultrants in foods consumed on daily basis in the Mobile Food Testing Van.
The expert team also inspected the college’s Food Processing Skill Training Centre (Pickle Making Unit), appreciated the product quality and hygiene, and shared useful suggestions on FSSAI licensing and infrastructure enhancement.
The team thanked Principal, GDC Drass, Nasir ul Mehdi Shabani for his support to conduct the programme in a smooth manner.
The programme marked a significant step in promoting food safety awareness among the college community and beyond.
The event was coordinated by Shujat Ali Mir, Assistant Professor and Mir Ishfaq Ahmad, Instructor, Food Processing GDC Drass.DD