CSIR-CFTRI, the Central Food Technological Research Institute in Mysuru, India, has been actively working towards ensuring total food safety. They have demonstrated the detection of adulterants in various food products, such as edible oils, spice products, sweets, milk, honey, etc. This detection is done using analytical instruments commonly used in food safety laboratories, including EA-IRMS, LC-MS/MS, GC, HPLC, GC-MS/MS, and ICP-AES.
The institute houses the Food Safety and Protection Department, which has a dual focus on food protection and infestation control, as well as a food safety and analytical quality control lab.
In line with the recently concluded World Food Safety Day 2023, which is observed annually on June 7, CSIR-CFTRI celebrated the event on its campus to raise awareness among students and the general public about food safety and the risks associated with unsafe food. The theme for this year’s World Food Safety Day was “Food Standards Save Lives.” The day was established by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (UN FAO) to highlight the critical global concern of food safety and the health consequences of consuming unsafe food.
During the event, CSIR-CFTRI organized demonstrations on food hygiene and microbial safety. They also exhibited posters on food regulation, food labelling, nutritional labelling, and food additives and contaminants. The program saw participation from over 150 students from various colleges, including St. Philomena’s College, JSS College, Jnanodaya PU College, and others from Mysore.
Dr. Navin Kumar Rastogi, Chief Scientist & Director-in-Charge of CSIR-CFTRI, formally inaugurated the event and addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of World Food Safety Day and raising awareness about its significance and benefits to society.
The Department of Food Safety & Analytical Quality Control Laboratory at CSIR-CFTRI made arrangements to celebrate World Food Safety Day by conducting demonstrations on the detection of adulterants in various food products. Scientists, technologists, scholars, and research students actively participated in these activities, showcasing their expertise in ensuring food safety and quality control.
By raising awareness and conducting demonstrations, CSIR-CFTRI aims to promote food safety and prevent foodborne illnesses, highlighting the importance of adhering to food standards and regulations to safeguard public health.