The Uttarakhand government has launched the ‘Aaj Se Thoda Kam’ campaign to ensure nutritious food for pilgrims on the Char Dham Yatra route. The initiative, led by the Food Safety and Drug Administration Department, focuses on reducing excess salt, sugar, and fat in meals to prevent diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
Health Secretary and Food Safety Commissioner Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar announced that the campaign has been implemented on the ground. Restaurants and eateries are being encouraged to collaborate with chefs and food experts to serve healthier meals. Awareness efforts through banners, posters, and digital media are also underway.
‘RUCO’ Initiative to Curb the Harmful Effects of Used Cooking Oil
In addition to the ‘Aaj Se Thoda Kam’ campaign, the department has introduced the ‘Repurpose Used Cooking Oil (RUCO)’ initiative. This initiative aims to monitor and prevent the reuse of cooking oil in the food chain. Used oil will be collected through an aggregator network and recycled into biodiesel, soap, and other non-edible products. This move is expected to reduce heart diseases, hypertension, and liver disorders while promoting environmental sustainability.
‘Triple EEE Strategy’ for a Safer Food Ecosystem
‘Triple EEE Strategy’ for a Safer Food EcosystemTo ensure food safety, the administration has implemented the ‘Triple EEE Strategy’ — Educate, Enforce, Establish:
- Educate: Raising awareness among food businesses and the public about the health risks of reused oil.
- Enforce: Ensuring strict compliance with food safety standards.
- Establish: Setting up a robust system for collecting and disposing of used oil.
Dr. Rajesh Kumar emphasized that providing safe and nutritious food to pilgrims is the government’s priority. Additional Commissioner Tajbar Singh Jaggi affirmed that strict actions would be taken against any food safety violations on the Char Dham Yatra route. The campaign is a significant step toward making Uttarakhand a safer and more hygienic pilgrimage destination.
