Vardhan launches food safety Mitra scheme

New Delhi: Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Harsh Vardhan on Wednesday launched Food Mitra Scheme which aims at motivating and facilitating food business operators (FBOs) and people for maintaining food hygiene.

The scheme, which also aims to strengthen 'Eat Right India' movement, was launched on World Food Day. Speakibng on the occasion, the minister said that Food Safety Mitra will be a professionally trained person with certification from Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) who would assist in compliances related to Food Safety and Standards Act.

The Food Safety Mitra will have three avatars - Digital Mitra, Trainer Mitra and Hygiene Mitra. It is estimated that through Food Safety Mitra, more than 25 lakh FBOs can be engaged by providing them services such as licensing, registration, hygiene rating and training.

The scheme will create an ecosystem for capacity building besides generating employment. Around 50,000 entrepreneurs are expected to join the Food Safety Mitra scheme.

"Food Safety Mitra will play a significant role in sensitising people about good standard of food hygiene. They will also help FBOs in compliances related to FSS Act, rules and regulations. It's an initiative that will work serve our purpose of Eat Right India and Fit India Movement," Vardhan said.