Cargill commemorates nationwide action on Surakshit Khadya Abhiyan' with Walkathon Drive

Cargill India today, took the ‘Food Safety Pledge’ in association with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Consumer Voice and NASVI to commemorate the nationwide action on Surakshit Khadya Abhiyan to promote access to Safe and Hygienic Food for all. The first walkathon to support the initiative was held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Lodi Road this morning. The Surakshit Khadya Abhiyan Walkathon witnessed more than 3,000 enthusiasts across all age groups walk a 4 km stretch.

Eminent dignitaries gathered on Sunday morning to support the event. Shri Aseem Ahmad Khan, Minister of Food and Supply, Environment and Forest and Election, Government of NCT of Delhi took the Food Safety Pledge along with Mr Siraj A Chaudhry, Chairman, Cargill India Pvt. Ltd, Mr S. Dave, Chairman Surakshit Khadya Abhiyan Steering Committee, Mr Shreekant Somany, Chairman, CII Northern Region; Mr Ashim Sanyal, COO, VOICE; Mr Arbind Singh, National Coordinator NASVI; Dr Alka Kaul, Chairperson CII Delhi State council; RJ Peeyush, Fever 104 FM (Dilli ke Do Dabang), RJ Sid, Fever 104 FM (Dilli ke Do Dabang) and various other eminent dignitaries.

Mr Satyendar Jain, Minister of Health, Industry and Power, Government of NCT of Delhi flagged off the walkathon at 8:30 am amidst a lot of cheering and support from RJ Peeyush, Fever 104 FM, RJ Sid, Fever 104 FM; and the Bollywood actor, Avijit Dutt. Besides the walkathon, various interesting events including a Nukkad Natak, on the spot painting competition and on the spot quiz contest were held with an objective to create awareness around safe and hygienic food.

Mr Siraj Chaudhry, Chairman, Cargill India Pvt. Ltd said, “Cargill is dedicated to nourishing people and our goal is to provide high-quality, safe food every time, everywhere. We are glad to join hands with CII as National Industry Partner and be a catalyst to improve food safety awareness in the country as well as drive the agenda of ‘safe food as everyone’s right’ through the Surakshit Khadya Abhiyan. The response towards today’s walkathon drive has been very encouraging.” He further added, “Cargill Walkathon has a vision towards sensitizing consumers, street food operators and industry on their roles, rights, importance of hygienic practices and systems for food safety risk mitigation.”

Mr Satyendar Jain, Minister of Health, Industry and Power, Government of NCT of Delhi said, “Food safety is mandatory in national capital and Delhi government will run a month long campaign to address for food adulteration. Nutrition, Hygiene Awareness and Food Safety plays a vital role in all walks of life. The government is extending full support to this campaign to make it successful.”

Cargill India will be supporting various advocacy programs as well as walkathons across the country, which are designed as part of the Surakshit Khadya Abhiyan mission and will work closely with CII-FACE, Industry and Government in designing appropriate sector specific Good Manufacturing Standards and help Risk Mitigation in the Food Chain.