Latest news with #TAnuradha
New Indian Express
15-07-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
TN schools to have boards listing harmful effects of sugar, salt and oil
The awareness campaigns has been launched at all educational institutions following an order from Coimbatore district collector Pavankumar G Giriyappanavar. Union Health Ministry, which launched the initiative, has asked the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR-NIN), who have prepared these 'sugar, salt and oil boards,' to suggest a model healthy meal that can be served in canteens and eateries of public institutions, instead of the current oily, salty and sugary meals and snacks. This campaign has been initiated by the FSSAI under the tagline of 'Stop Obesity and Eat Right India' on social media. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has directed all affiliated schools to establish these boards. The Food Safety department in Coimbatore district has been planning to implement it by this week. The designated officer for the Food Safety Department, Coimbatore district, Dr T Anuradha, said "Consumption of food products high in sugar, salt or fat (HFSS) is a leading factor for obesity and non-communicable diseases. We have to combat rising health concerns like childhood obesity and type-2 diabetes, which have been linked to high sugar and oil intake. We place the awareness boards released by the FSSAI at the premises of all educational institutions. The FSOs will ensure the food safety standards are followed on the school campus and check the canteens."
New Indian Express
09-07-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
After complaints of unhygienic practices, food safety officials inspect Ukkadam fish market in Coimbatore
COIMBATORE: Following a complaint about unhygienic business practices, food safety department officials conducted a surprise inspection at Ukkadam wholesale and retail fish markets, on Tuesday. Fish traders have been advised not to use formalin-laced ice bars to store fish, as the consumption of fish adulterated with formalin can cause health issues. Also, we have advised them to sell fresh fish and avoid stale, said Dr T Anuradha, designated officer of the Food Safety Department, Coimbatore district. As part of sensitising the food safety standards among the food industry stakeholders, the department held a surprise check at the fish market in Ukkadam on Tuesday. The team, led by Anuradha, examined the conditions of the fish showcased for sale, the waste management process, drainage facilities, fish transportation methods and adulteration. There are 48 wholesalers and 23 retailers in the market, under the Tamil Nadu Fisheries Department. The traders were asked about the source of fishes, the transportation method and whether they are using chemicals such formalin to keep the fish fresh. "We can identify fresh fish by its clear eyes, red gills and shiny, moist skin. The traders themselves should identify fresh fish by pressing them. If they press gently with a finger, the indentation quickly springs back if it is fresh. If the indentation remains or the flesh feels soft and mushy, it's a sign the fish may be stale. Also, they are instructed to use ice bars to preserve the fish, made with RO water and not use chemical-laced (formalin) ice bars," said Dr Anuradha. "Formalin is a common adulterant in fish. Traders and suppliers use it to extend the storage life of fresh or chilled fish and artificially improve the sensory attributes. Consumption of fish adulterated with formalin can cause serious health issues," she added. Following the inspection, the fish traders were offered Food Safety Training & Certification (FoSTaC) training inside the market.
New Indian Express
05-06-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
Food safety department holds awareness meetings with fast food sellers in Coimbatore
COIMBATORE: In response to complaints regarding the sale of banned raw egg mayonnaise, and to clear the confusion about which types of mayonnaise are permitted, the food safety department in Coimbatore conducted a meeting with fast food sellers on Wednesday. The meeting was aimed at addressing food safety concerns, particularly the risks of food poisoning. FSSAI designated officer for Coimbatore district Dr T Anuradha said, "Many sellers lack clarity about the ban on raw egg mayonnaise. During this meeting, we informed them about the ban and recommended alternative varieties such as mayonnaise made with pasteurized eggs and vegetarian ingredients. Even vegetarian mayonnaise must be handled and stored according to safety protocols. We urged everyone to use fresh mayonnaise that does not contain raw eggs." Dr Anuradha also said the participants received training on essential safety and standard measures within the food industry, including the importance of proper waste disposal, pest control, and obtaining medical certificates for food handlers. She warned that businesses that do not possess an FSSAI licence may face fines of up to Rs 10 lakh and possible suspension of operations. Further, she said there are around 5,000 to 6,000 fast food shops operating in Coimbatore district, most of which licenced. 'This programme is set to cover these establishments zone by zone. We have five zones in the city and 11 blocks in the rural district. On Tuesday, we covered two zones, and the remaining areas will be addressed in the coming days. We also hold sessions for Food Safety Training & Certification (FoSTaC), as well as licence registration and renewal camps," she added. The food safety department also plans to conduct similar meetings with hoteliers and suppliers of packaged drinking water.
