FSSAI and Herbalife Collaborate for Eat Right Millet Walkathon

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), in partnership with Herbalife India, a global health and wellness company organized an impactful mass awareness event through Eat Right Millet Walkathon 2023 supported by Government of Telangana. The event was held at Jal Vihar Parking, Near Necklace Road in Hyderabad on August 25 from 6.30 am onwards. In line with International Year of Millets 2023, Eat Right Millet Walkathon 2023 was aimed at spreading awareness about safe eating habits and motivate the public to include millet in their dietary regimen to reap its multiple nutritional benefits.

The walkathon was inaugurated by Ms. Innoshi Sharma IRS, the Executive Director of FSSAI, in the presence of other distinguished dignitaries  like Sh. S. Sharad Rao IAS, Joint Director of the FSSAI, Delhi, Dr. Sushma, Director of Telangana Food Processing Society, Industry and Commerce Department, Govt. of Telangana.

“We are witnessing an agricultural renaissance with the most ancient crop of the world becoming the present and the future crop,” quotes Mr. G. Kamala Vardhana Rao, Chief Executive Officer, FSSAI.

The walkathon has a broader mission to promote holistic health by reconnecting with our traditional dietary practices, which are known for their profound health benefits. The event also featured engaging activities such as Zumba and aerobic sessions, as well as exciting games, to make learning about nutrition enjoyable and interactive.

Millets, once a staple food, are making a comeback as a healthy and nutritious staple food. The United Nations General Assembly at its 75th session in March 2021 declared 2023 the International Year of Millets (IYM 2023). IYM2023 is an opportunity to raise awareness of the nutritional and health benefits of millets, and to advocate for policies that support the cultivation of millets under adverse and changing climatic conditions.

Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Herbalife India, Ajay Khanna, commented on the partnership. "Our collaboration with FSSAI is centered around two pivotal goals: promoting nutritional knowledge and ensuring the availability of safe and wholesome food. Through this walkathon, we are trying to sensitize the people of Hyderabad about eating a healthy and balanced diet that satisfies our needs for micronutrients like vitamins and minerals. In partnership with the FSSAI, we have already worked with 40+ institutions, including state secretariats, Indian Space Research Organization campuses, police training centers, universities, colleges, and railway station canteens, to provide access to information about healthy eating and safe and balanced food choices.”

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the government regulator responsible for food safety and healthy eating promotion, partnered with Herbalife in 2021 to spread awareness about nourishing and safe eating practices. This collaboration demonstrates the shared commitment of both organizations to improving the health of the Indian population.