FSSAI Promotes Healthier Diet Along Char Dham Yatra

• 21 Apr 2025

Why in News? 

The Uttarakhand government, in collaboration with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), has launched a campaign to sensitize food vendors and eateries along the Char Dham Yatra route to reduce the use of salt, sugar, and oil in food.  

• Training workshops have been held in Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Rishikesh, Haridwar, Chamba, and Srinagar. 

Char Dham Yatra 

• Yamunotri Dham: 
  • Location: Uttarkashi district. 
  • Dedicated to: Goddess Yamuna. 
  • River Yamuna is the second-most sacred river in India after River Ganga. 
• Gangotri Dham: 
  • Location: Uttarkashi district. 
  • Dedicated to: Goddess Ganga. 
  • Considered the most sacred of all Indian rivers. 
• Kedarnath Dham: 
  • Location: Rudraprayag district. 
  • Dedicated to: Lord Shiva. 
  • Situated on the bank of the Mandakini River. 
  • One of the 12 Jyotirlingas (divine representations of Lord Shiva) in India. 
• Badrinath Dham: 
  • Location: Chamoli district. 
  • Home to the sacred Badrinarayan Temple. 
  • Dedicated to: Lord Vishnu. 
  • One of the holy shrines for Vaishnavites. 

Key Points 

• Key Highlights of the Campaign: 
• Objective: 
  • To minimize health risks (e.g., cardiac arrest, breathing issues) among pilgrims during the Char Dham Yatra by promoting healthier cooking practices and dietary habits. 
    • It is a part of the Fit India Movement and PM’s appeal for a 10% reduction in salt, sugar, and oil consumption. 
• Implementation and Monitoring Agencies: 
  • Food Safety and Drug Administration (FDA), Uttarakhand 
  • District administration, Uttarakhand 
• Dietary Guidelines for Food Vendors: 
  • Reduce the use of salt, sugar, and oil in food. 
  • Avoid papads, pickles, and MSG (monosodium glutamate) - laden items. 
    • MSG, also known as Ajinomoto, is a widely used food additive that enhances flavor, particularly the umami taste.  
      • It's a sodium salt of glutamic acid, an amino acid naturally present in many foods. 
  • Use natural sweeteners like dates and fruits. 
• Medical and Health Arrangements: 
  • Mandatory health screening for pilgrims above 50 years of age. 
    • In 2024, a health screening of 9.5 lakh people was conducted. 

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) 

• About: 
  • FSSAI is an autonomous statutory body established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, of 2006. 
  • FSSAI is responsible for protecting and promoting public health by regulating and supervising food safety and quality in India, operating under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. 
  • FSSAI has a headquarters in New Delhi and regional offices in eight zones across the country. 
  • The Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of FSSAI, appointed by central government. The Chairperson is in the rank of Secretary to the Government of India. 
• Functions and Powers: 
  • Framing of regulations and standards for food products and additives. 
  • Granting of licences and registration to food businesses. 
  • Enforcement of food safety laws and regulations. 
  • Monitoring and surveillance of food safety and quality. 
  • Conducting risk assessment and scientific research on food safety issues. 
  • Providing training and awareness on food safety and hygiene. 
  • Promoting food fortification and organic food. 
  • Coordinating with other agencies and stakeholders on food safety matters. 
• Events and Index: 
  • World Food Safety Day 
  • State Food Safety Index.