Eat Right India Movement: From Food Security to Nutrition Security
New Delhi:
Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan on Thursday stressed the need to shift from food security to nutrition security to achieve the goals of the Eat Right India movement and urged other relevant ministries to form a joint platform for determine common objectives and strategy and synergize their actions.
Dr Harsh Vardhan chaired an inter-ministerial meeting with the FSSAI and senior officials from various ministries to develop a “whole-of-government” approach to achieve the “Vision 2050” of the Eat Right India movement.
The minister took note that the economic cost of foodborne illness in India is estimated at USD 15 billion, the health ministry said in a statement.
To move from food security to nutrition security, line ministries should come together to form a common platform to determine common goals and strategy and synergize their actions accordingly, he said. “Different ministries can make critical interventions in primary production, food processing, their regulation of waste and hygiene and final consumption issues. Only then will ‘Eat Right India’ become a move in its true sense, “said the Minister of Health. said.
“A systems approach can ensure food safety as well as its safe availability, promoting healthy diets and taking care of the environment through sustainable practices,” said the minister. Other line ministries include the Ministry of Women’s and Children’s Development, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Ministries of Food and Fisheries.
