The Goa Food and Drug Administration (FDA) launched a mobile food testing van called ‘Food Safety on Wheels,’ on December 10, 2017. This is the first food testing van in the state. CM Manohar Parrikar launched the food testing van.
The van was unveiled by Parrikar in the presence of Vishwajit Rane, Goa Food and Drugs Administration minister.
The mobile van has a laboratory which can check the authenticity of food on the spot. Parrikar says it is a one of a kind food safety testing equipment in the country, as this is the first “Food Safety on Wheels”. The van has been bought at a cost of Rs. 41 lakhs.
Uses of the van
The van is fully equipped with a lab. They can test for common adulterants in milk, water and edible oils. The van can immediately test the irregularities in the food and then give the result immediately on the spot.
“Besides this, it will also educate people about nutrition and importance of safe food,” the Chief Minister added. The van has been funded by the government and further cost for its maintenance would be taken care by the government for the next 5 years.
According to Hindustan Times, Parrikar said awareness about food items is crucial as “most of the time we don’t know what is mixed in the food that we eat.”
FDA director Jyoti Sardesai said in a Franchise India report, “The FDA will also tie up with panchayats, municipalities and consumer clubs to spread awareness about food safety, hygiene and healthy eating habits”.
The van comes equipped with milk analyser, hot air oven, hot plate, mixer grinder, digital weighing scale, digital multiparameter handheld meter, power generator, air conditioner and refrigerator.