Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda inaugurated the third edition of the Global Food Regulators Summit 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, here today. Organized by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) under the aegis of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, this edition of the Summit centres around the theme of “Evolving Food Systems- Yatha Annam Tatha Manah (यथा अन्नं तथा मनः)”, which reflects the profound connection between the quality of food and the health of the mind.

In his inaugural address, Shri Nadda emphasized upon the theme and said: “The theme of this year’s summit, “Yatha Annam Tatha Manah” - as is the food, so is the mind - highlights that food influences not just physical health but also mental well-being, emotional balance, and the moral fabric of society.” He also noted that “those days are gone when countries focused themselves only on domestic food production. When states engage in trading of food, they are directly involved in the health and wellbeing of people.”

The Union Health Minister highlighted that obesity has become a pressing health concern, driven by unhealthy diets, sedentary lifestyles, and the growing dependence on processed foods. He recalled the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s call to combat obesity through nationwide awareness and collective action, particularly by reducing edible oil consumption by 10%. “Aligning with his vision, FSSAI also has actively rolled out plans for increasing mass awareness on this critical issue under its Eat Right India initiative. The Eat Right India movement, led by FSSAI, champions this cause by combining food safety, nutrition, and sustainability,” Shri Nadda stated.

Underscoring the criticality of food safety in today’s interconnected world, Shri Nadda said, “With global trade making food from one part of the world available in every corner, lapses in safety can trigger public health crises, disrupt commerce, and erode trust in businesses and nations alike.” He stressed that food safety is not merely a matter of compliance but of building confidence in global food systems, making the role of regulators and platforms like the Global Food Regulators Summit all the more vital in safeguarding health, ensuring resilience, and strengthening international cooperation.

The Union Health Minister also recalled the success of the first two Global Food Regulators Summits and said that the third in the series continues the commitment to fostering international dialogue and regulatory innovation. He added that the summit serves as a vital platform to strengthen collective efforts in food safety, enhance global cooperation, and ensure that food systems are safe, resilient, and inclusive.

Shri Nadda commended the efforts made by FSSAI and said: “Over the past decades, FSSAI being the Food regulator of the country has made significant strides in transforming India's food safety landscape from establishing robust standards and launching innovative initiatives to enhancing testing infrastructure and fostering international cooperation. He stated that FSSAI has emerged as a global leader in ensuring food safety and public health.

A key highlight of the inaugural session was the launch of the ‘Eat Right Thali’ book, a landmark initiative by FSSAI that celebrates India’s rich culinary heritage and the concept of balanced diets. Shri Nadda stated that the book features traditional thalis from across the country, with each thali representing local ingredients, cooking methods, and age-old dietary wisdom, emphasizing variety and nutritional balance. In line with Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision, it underscores the role of traditional diets in combating obesity and lifestyle-related diseases. This compilation serves as both a cultural tribute and a practical guide to preventive health through mindful local and seasonal eating.

This year’s summit witnessed participation from 59 countries, along with leading international organisations such as the World Health Organization and the World Trade Organization, as well as over 100 representatives from different parts of the country. The platform serves as a vital opportunity to deliberate on emerging challenges, exchange global experiences, and adopt innovative solutions to ensure consumers have access to safe and nutritious food, and to chart a collective path forward.

The first day of the Global Food Regulators Summit featured technical sessions on key topics, including Global Regulatory Harmonization and Policy Frameworks, Integrating Science and Technologies towards Sustainable Food Systems, Adapting to the Dynamic Food Landscape, and Traditional Foods & Global Standards. These sessions aimed to provide practical insights and foster discussions on shaping the future of food safety and sustainability.

Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary, Department of Health Research & DG, Indian Council of Medical Research; Shri Rajit Punhani, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), FSSAI; Shri U. S. Dhyani, Executive Director, FSSAI and Shri Nikhil Gajraj, Joint Secretary, Union Health Ministry were present on the occasion.

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