Goa: In commemoration of National Nutrition Week, the Department of Biotechnology at St Xavier’s College, in collaboration with the Directorate of Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), Government of Goa, organised a one-day workshop themed “Eat Right for a Better Life.”
The workshop aimed to create awareness about informed food choices and empower students to become ambassadors of healthy living, while highlighting the importance of nutrition, food safety and responsible eating habits.
Three Simple Rules for Eating Right
In her welcome address, Officiating Principal Ms Ursula Barreto called upon the young participants to follow three simple principles of healthy eating — eat local and seasonal; eat balanced and on time; and respect food and eat mindfully.
Chief Guest Ms Dorothy Pereira, Food Safety and Hygiene Manager – Taj Hotels (IHCL), highlighted the importance of returning to traditional food practices and respecting the roots and traditions associated with food habits.
She also emphasised the importance of consuming seasonal foods as part of a healthy lifestyle.
Focus on Food Safety and Nutrition
The workshop featured technical sessions covering both scientific and practical aspects of food safety and nutrition.
Resource Persons Ms Dorothy Pereira and Ms Ishana Hameed, Nutrition Expert at Start Healthy Pvt Ltd, addressed the participants on various aspects of healthy living.
Ms Pereira introduced participants to the FoSCoS website and explained practical methods of identifying and reporting non-compliances related to food safety regulations.
Ms Hameed focused on living well and adaptive exercising, offering participants insights into maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle.
Demonstration on Food Adulteration
An important part of the workshop was a practical demonstration on testing food for adulterants.
Mr Darlane Diukar, Mr Amit Mandrekar and Ms Mayuri Shetgaoar conducted the demonstrations, giving students and participants an opportunity to understand how food adulteration can be identified.
Students and staff representing 11 different institutions across Goa participated in the workshop.
Competitions Add a Creative Dimension
The event also provided participants with an opportunity to showcase their creativity and skills through rangoli, poster and cooking competitions.
The day’s programme was hosted by Dr Larissa Menezes, who kept the audience updated on the schedule and proceedings. Mr Vishal Mardolkar and Ms Emma Fernandes coordinated the conduct of the competitions.
FDA Alumni Shares Insights at Valedictory Session
The valedictory session featured Mr Richard Noronha, Designated Officer, FDA, and an alumnus of St Xavier’s College.
Sharing his journey from biotechnology to the Food and Drugs Administration, Noronha spoke about the role of the FDA in ensuring food safety in Goa.
The workshop also concluded with the announcement of the competition winners.
Mr Harsh Sadashiv Parab and Ms Siddhi Santosh Sawant from Government College Khandola, along with Ms Leah Fernandes and Ms Dimple Purohit from St Xavier’s College, were among the prize winners.
The poster titled “Ditching the Junk, Embracing the Crunch: Smart Snacking for Kids”, created by Ms Dimple Purohit, was adjudged the best poster.
Ms Jenica Rangel, coordinator of the event, proposed the vote of thanks, bringing the workshop to a close with a renewed emphasis on making informed food choices and embracing healthier lifestyles.
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