PANJIM: The local ‘pao’ (bread) makers in the State will now have to follow the food safety norms prescribed by the Directorate of Food and Drugs Administration (FDA). 

Health Secretary Ashok Kumar, IAS, on Friday said that government is working towards bringing the ‘pao’ makers and sellers within the ambit of FDA to follow the food safety norms. 

“We want the bread makers to meet with the food safety norms of FDA. I request bakery associations to cooperate,” he said. 

Kumar was speaking on the occasion of the World Food Safety Day, organised by FDA. 

The Health Secretary said that the government has outlined the plans keeping in mind food safety and its key focus areas were on food safety in civil supplies, women and child development and urban development sectors etc.

Kumar said that the government has proposed to set up ‘Street Food Hubs’ in four cities of the State, where the basic facilities for food safety would be provided. 

He also informed that they are preparing a standard operating procedure which would be given to the Directorate of Women and Child Development for angadwadis so that the staff is aware of how food is to be prepared, stored etc.

“We will be also working in close connection with the Education Department, to promote the importance of healthy and nutritious food amongst students. The parents would be also educated on this,” he said.