The verdict is out: CWG Delhi is a safe food destination

THE 2010 Commonwealth Games is seeing athletes and tourists from more than 70 countries come to the magnificent city of Delhi for the Games. But other than the sporting extravaganza guess what is keeping these visitors busy?

It is mouthwatering Indian food and delicacies! To ensure that the food is of the highest standards, the Food Safety & Standards Authority of India has launched an initiative called Safe Food Destination (SFD) in various parts of the city.

The XIX Commonwealth Games has come as a big boost to Brand India. Delhi is all geared up welcoming the world serving its unique hospitality on platter. The SFD is a great initiative launched in coordination with standards devised by the government’s Food Safety & Standards Authority of India enabling serious restaurateurs to be at par with international standards of food safety and hygiene so that they are able to cater to both national as well as International tourists.

SFD is a wholesome package that offers – testing of the food products, training of the staff, auditing and consulting.

With the aim to establish India as a safe food destination (SFD) CWG Organizing Committee is adhering to food safety norms at all the food serving establishments and at home, making them cognizant of food safety and health hygiene.

The SFD initiative has turned into a huge success with the help of food quality giant TQS Global Management System (UK). TQS has used the services of its “Mobile Testing Van” to assure quality in food and services across various parts of the city. SFD has launched a two day program together with PFA, MCD and NDMC starting a walkathon and a food safety run at different prominent locations all over the capital. To name a few, places like Khan Market, Dilli Haat, Chandni Chowk and Karol Bagh were under the scanner inculcating world class quality consciousness.

N.L.B Pantulu, Vice President Operations, said "Mobile lab is a lab on wheels, where we conduct quite a number of food safety tests for food products. This lab is equipped with GPS tracking systems and wireless connectivity platforms with high security servers on board. It can conduct almost 18 to 20 adulteration tests, for ex. adulteration in milk, adulteration in paneer and khoya and many more. It is also equipped to conduct antibiotic residue tests, pesticide residue test alergen monitoring tests, water tests and a few microbiological tests, etc. I believe this is the first fully integrated Mobile laboratory (lab on wheels) of the country.”

The Organizing Committee of Commonwealth Games have hired the catering services of AFP Manufacturing Pvt Ltd, who are providing food packets to the workforce of CWG, including OC staff, volunteers and security personnel. This contract is worth Rs. 8.75 crore. While TQS GMS is also providing SFD program to one hundred and fifty outlets which is displayed during CWG at the games village.

With three levels of quality and nutritional auditing of food, beginning from the supply of raw material itself to food preparation and cleanliness, there is no scope for compromise making sure that it adheres to international standards.