The University Grants Commission (UGC) on Friday wrote to higher educational institutions urging them to propagate the messages of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) among the students related to food safety.

In the letter, UGC Secretary Manish Joshi wrote, "Every year, millions of people worldwide suffer from foodborne illness due to improper handling, storage, or preparation of food. Students, in particular, are vulnerable to these risks, given their often hectic schedules and reliance on ready-eat food. ln this regard, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the country's apex food regulator under the aegis of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has been sharing updates on healthy food habits, information, and educational campaigns to educate and empower consumers, alerts related to foodborne illness through its social media handles."

The UGC official said that the FSSAI initiative is aimed at educating students about the importance of food safety practices and empowering them with the knowledge and skills to make informed choices regarding their dietary habits, stated a report by ANI.

"The Higher Education institutions are requested to initiate the propagation of FSSAI messages and support food safety initiatives that will foster a culture of Food safety consciousness and promote the wellbeing of the student community," the letter mentioned.