World Food Safety Day 2024 was celebrated at St. Xavier’s College, Jalukie with the aim of creating awareness among college students by the College of Veterinary Science and AH, Jalukie under the guidance of Dean Dr. I. Shakuntala with the theme “Food Safety: Prepare for the Unexpected.” The event was co-organised and sponsored by Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi.
The event began with an inspiring inaugural speech from Dr. Francis S Cheerangal, Principal, St. Xavier’s College, and Jalukie. Dr. Rajkumari Mandakini Devi, Asst. Prof. of College of Veterinary Science and AH, Jalukie highlighted the critical role of food safety in safeguarding public health. “Preparedness in food safety is not just a necessity but a responsibility. The initiatives under the FoodNet Phase 2 project are pivotal in driving this mission forward,” she stated.
Dr. Raghubir Singh, Assistant Professor of College of Veterinary Science and AH, Jalukie delivered a keynote address on the importance of proactive measures in food safety, particularly in managing food hygiene and zoonotic diseases. Dr Rajkumari Mandakini Devi, PI of ICMR, Foodnet (phaseII) project interacted with the students and demonstrated the foodborne microbe’s culture to the attendees.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment to food safety. Organizers, which included Dr. S. Mukharjee, Dr.Kevemese Khate, Gaurav Saxena and attendees left with a deeper understanding of the importance of being prepared for unexpected challenges in food safety. As the celebrations came to a close, the sentiment echoed by many was clear: ensuring food safety is a collective effort that requires continuous education, innovation, and vigilance.
