E-Kantipur

KATHMANDU, SEP 09 -

A little effort can go a long way in keeping us healthy and preventing us from common viral diseases such as diarrhoea and cholera. The biggest impediment to preventing the onset of viral diseases has been a lack of awareness amongst the masses.

With the intention of spreading awareness on the practice of food manufacture and consumption in Nepal amongst a cross-section of Kathmandu’s citizens, Food and Nutrition Awareness Centre Nepal (FONAC) organised a street photo exhibition titled Safe Food: Better Business at the New Baneshwor Chowk on Friday. It was the first installment of a four day long exhibition that will travel across the city, including popular landmarks such as Patan Durbar Square, Ratna Park and Basantapur.

Containing a collection of 40 photographs on flex boards, the exhibition showcases visual information on wrong consumption practices as well as images that show the correct way of consumption. Since 2010, FONAC has actively been working for to cr eat e public awareness on food and health related issues through a host of mediums, including rallies, trainings and campaigns.

Describing the photos, Harihar Guragain, chairman of FONAC, commented that the small stalls found on roadsides can save public health with just a little investment. “Covering the food with net or enclosing it inside glass can preserve food from contamination,” he said.

Additionally, Bhaskar Mani Adhikari, FONAC’s general secretary said, “The environment of restaurants and cafes might not be clean enough as not enough attention has gone into maintaining hygiene standards within kitchens.” He added that manufacturers should be very alert about public health and work under good practices.

Praising the innovative task of FONAC, Uttam Kumar Bhattari, president of Nepal Food Scientist and Technology Association said, “This photo exhibition offers a helping hand to bring Nepali food control system in proper track.”

Similarly, Madan Kumar Chapagai, the food inspector from Food Technology and Quality Control remarked, “Through this exhibition, people from all kinds of backgrounds are given a platform to explore ill practices in food management in Nepal. Both manufactures and consumers should be careful about this.”

An estimated 50,000 visitors went through the photos that were exhibited from 4 to 6 pm on the first day. Mohan Bomjom, a visitor, said, “The photo exhibition is a symbolic expression of food practices all over Nepal. It has reminded me to avoid unhygienic, coloured food and check manufactured and expiry dates before buying any product.”

Safe Food: Better Business will be on exhibition at Patan Durbar Square, Ratna Park and Basantapur on September 9, 10 and 11 respectively from 4-6pm

Posted on: 2012-09-09 08:58

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