The 162-year-old Berhampur Circle Jail in Odisha is the latest among nearly 100 prisons in the country that have been certified as ‘Eat Right Campus’ by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The prestigious certification, valid for two years from March 24, 2025, to March 23, 2027, with a three-star rating, recognizes the jail’s commitment to providing safe, healthy, and sustainable food practices for its inmates.

The ‘Eat Right Campus’ initiative by FSSAI aims to promote a culture of food safety and well-being in various institutional settings, including workplaces, educational institutions, and hospitals. The Berhampur Circle Jail has demonstrated exemplary adherence to FSSAI’s stringent evaluation criteria, showcasing its dedication to the food safety and health of its 1,000 inmates.

The certification process involved a comprehensive audit conducted by an FSSAI-empanelled agency. This audit assessed the jail’s compliance with essential parameters, including basic hygiene, food preparation practices, and the provision of nutritious meals as per the government-prescribed menu.

By extending the Eat Right Campus certification to prisons and correctional facilities, FSSAI underscores its commitment to ensuring access to safe and nutritious food for all, including inmates and prison staff.

Berhampur Circle Jail's achievement is underscored by its meticulous approach to food preparation and handling. The jail ensures hygienic conditions for the daily preparation and serving of meals to 1,000 inmates, adhering to stringent safety protocols. Further demonstrating their commitment to food safety, 50 jail staff and prisoners have successfully completed FSSAI’s Food Safety Training and Certification (FoSTaC) program, equipping them with essential knowledge and skills in basic catering practices. This comprehensive training ensures that all aspects of food handling, from procurement to serving, meet the rigorous standards set by FSSAI."

FSSAI commend Berhampur Circle Jail for their commitment to food safety and the well-being of their inmates, This certification demonstrates that with dedication and adherence to standards, institutions can significantly contribute to the ‘Eat Right India’ movement, ensuring that safe and nutritious food is accessible to all.

Nearly 100 jails across the country have been certified as ‘Eat Right Campus’ by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), marking a significant milestone in its goal of promoting safe and healthy eating habits within different campuses. This initiative falls under FSSAI’s Eat Right India movement and aims to promote safe, healthy and sustainable food in different workplaces and institutions, including jails

It's pertinent to note that over 2300 workplaces throughout the country have now been acknowledged as Eat Right Campuses, positively impacting the lives of individuals working in these campuses. As this initiative keeps gathering momentum, FSSAI is dedicated to collaborating with institutions from various sectors to foster a culture of well-being and guarantee everyone access to healthy and hygienic food.

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Swadhin/Manoj

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