Government of Maharashtra has initiated a program of healthy eating at schools and colleges..

This was after a survey by Indian Diabetic federation that found 30% of School  and College Children suffering from Obesity, diabetes and Hypertension

by Priya Jadhav

Dr.Pallavi Darade FDA Commissioner of Maharashtra during a FI India and HI and Propak India exhibition event at Goregaon made a shocking statement about a survey carried by the Government of Maharashtra through Indian Diabetic association. Darade while speaking a program initiated on about healthy eating and healthy living in schools and colleges said, the survey conducted in 20 schools found over 30 percent of students in the age group of 11-13 were suffering from diabetes, hypertension, obesity. With obesity being a major cause of worry. She said it was then that “Government initiated a project on healthy eating in schools and Colleges and the program has received positive response. On talking about measures taken by FDA and FSSAI on food safety acts she said that  FFSAI  and FDA Maharashtra has emphasized on the training aspects of the various right from the street food vendors  up to the 5 star hotels. All other sectors even for that matter implementing the various GMPGHP practices that are very much mandatory for the food safety act so the emphasize has always been that whatever is produced and whatever is served should always be complied as per the food safety act and we across Maharashtra and  India are getting very positive response from the food Industry.  At the event about food processing and packaging Industry, she spoke on various aspects related to food. Informa Markets in India is hosting the 14th edition of Fi India and Hi and 2nd edition of ProPak India in Mumbai this year from October 22 to October 24, one of the most comprehensive B2B shows for food, health and packaging.

While Fi India and Hi was inaugurated by Dr. Pallavi Darade - FDA Commissioner of Maharashtra, Dr. Yogesh Kamat – Director FFSAI (Western Region), Dr. Prabodh Halde – immediate Past President AFSTI & Mr. Piruz Khambatta – Rasna International. ProPak India was marked by the presence of Mr. C. K. Raganathan – Founder, CavinKare India Pvt Ltd , Mr. Samir Limaye, President, Institute of Packaging Machinery Manufacturers of India ( IPMMI ), Mr. Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director for Informa Markets in India and Mr. Rahul Deshpande, Group Director for Informa Markets in India in an industry gathering.

The co-located expos optimally provided industry players an entire array of products and solutions pertaining to food ingredients, processing technology and packaging under one giant umbrella. While Fi India & Hi offered the industry an opportunity to source high quality ingredients, ProPak India brought within its domain, packaging solutions pertaining to products from medicines, cosmetics, appliances, industrial systems and machinery, among others.                                   

Speaking at the inauguration of Fi India and Hi and ProPak India in Mumbai, Mr. Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director for Informa Markets in India said, “The food ingredients and processing industry in India has witnessed rapid augmentation owing to the changing socio- economic demographics such as urbanization and the ever growing Indian gourmet market which is growing at a CAGR of 20%. An increased awareness for quality standards of food products has amplified the focus on the superiority of ingredients that goes into the making of these finished products. There is also an increased awareness within the industry with regards to active and intelligent packaging which is vital in the preservation of food.  Enhanced packaging techniques need to be developed that not only boost the shelf life of the product but also sustain the nutritive value of the processed food. This is where our shows Fi India and Hi and ProPak both play a crucial role in helping the industry offer an international showcase of such food processing and packaging technology and food ingredients and in turn, help leverage India’s wide ranging and large raw material base for food processing industries.” The co-located expos rotate annually between India’s two promising food hubs i.e Mumbai and the Delhi region.

Fi India and Hi : With a rich legacy of 14 years, Fi India in this edition brought in several novel features such as a) a Live Master Class with celebrity chef and television show host Rakhee Vaswani on delectable creations that will be based on fusion & molecular, b) A Trending Zone -  that will highlight the global trends and innovative ingredients in Health & Food Ingredients, c) A Self Guided Tour – a tour that will highlight the Innovation & Discovery in Beverage Ingredients, Alternative Proteins, Traditional Regional Ingredients and Healthy Ageing, d) Technical Seminars by Association of Food Scientist & Technologist (AFSTI  Mumbai Chapter)   & Health & Dietary Supplements Association ( HADSA ) on  ‘Product Development: Science and Technology’ highlighting the regulatory requirement and principles & importance of testing in new product development and ‘Emerging Scenario of Lifestyle, Food & Health Ingredients’ highlighting the latest applications of functional foods like Carrageenan & Bilberry extract respectively and e ) Innovative launches by some brands that will provide the audience a wholesome, sensory experience and newer ideas and tips on food products.

Propak india : ProPak India , which is catering to India's ever growing processing and packaging industries, has been geo-adapted from ProPak Asia , Asia's largest platform in its domain, and is comprehensively tailored to Indian requirements. In its second edition, it is well-supported by key associations such as -  Indian Flexible Packaging & Folding Carton Manufacturers Association (IFCA); Association of Food Scientists and Technologists (India) (AFSTI) ;  Authentication Solution Providers' Association (ASPA) and  SIES school of packaging.