Kerala leads national food safety index rankings

Kerala has achieved a significant milestone by securing the top position in the national food safety index, marking a historic moment for the state, as announced by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. This remarkable accomplishment can be attributed to a range of initiatives implemented by the government. Among these are the food safety grama panchayat scheme, which was executed in 140 panchayats, and the Safe and Nutritious Food at School project, which was successfully implemented in 500 schools.

Additionally, the state conducted numerous food safety awareness classes at the state level, ensuring that the general public was well-informed and educated about safe food practices. Chief Minister Vijayan shared this news through a Facebook post and also expressed his pride in a tweet, highlighting Kerala's achievement in topping the State Food Safety Index 2023 in the large state category.

State Health Minister Veena George further emphasized Kerala's success, stating that not only did the state secure the highest position in the food safety index, but its food safety department also witnessed a substantial increase in revenue. In the financial year 2022-23, the department generated a revenue of Rs 28.94 crore, which marked a remarkable 193 percent growth compared to the previous year.

To honor this achievement, a prestigious award consisting of a trophy and plaque was presented to Kerala by Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Mansukh Mandaviya. Food Safety Commissioner V R Vinod graciously accepted the award on behalf of the state.

Kerala's recognition as the top performer in the national food safety index showcases the dedicated efforts of the state government and its commitment to ensuring safe and nutritious food for its citizens. This achievement not only brings pride to Kerala but also serves as an inspiration for other states to prioritize food safety measures and work towards achieving similar milestones.