Bearing in mind that the upcoming Commonwealth Games in the city will draw attention to the quality of Indian food, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit flagged off a “Food safety run and walkathon” at India Gate here on Friday .
The event held on the occasion of World Food Day was an attempt to brand Indian cuisine as “nutritious, healthy and hygienic.” An oath-taking ceremony was also held to position the country as a safe food destination for the Games, by adhering to food safety norms at all the food serving establishments.
Speaking on the occasion, celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor said celebrations on World Food Day highlight the concern for positioning India as a healthy nation.
“A healthy country must pay attention to hygiene, preparation and lifestyle issues. People should make themselves and their food healthier by sensitising themselves towards wholesome aspects of food,” he added.
Nutritionist Dr. Shikha Sharma pointed out that good and healthy food provides lifetime benefits. She also requested the gathering to take a pledge to not waste food and use it in a healthy way.
Confederation of Indian Industry’s Institute of Quality chairman K. N. Shenoy said the sporting event will further strengthen the quality movement in the county. “India should remain committed to the cause of food safety and quality by inculcating world-class quality consciousness.”
The event was attended by a large number of participants including school children, senior citizens and people from different walks of life. Food safety guidelines were distributed among the participants with the message of maintaining quality standards.
Organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry, the event was themed on “Food Safety and Quality–India Prepares for Commonwealth Games-2010”.
