A plateful of Thamizh manam for 3 days

CHENNAI: To promote traditional food of Tamil Nadu and create awareness, the State Food Safety Department organised a 3-day food festival at Island Grounds on Friday. At least 200 stalls with a variety of traditional cuisine will be available for the public.

Dr Satheesh Kumar, designated food safety officer, said, “The incidence of non-communicable diseases which has increased recently. That’s why food patterns play a major role. The motive of this food festival is to promote the idea of traditional and hygienic food especially among children.”

There are around 200 food stalls from various districts of Tamil Nadu. The department has chosen vendors who prepare healthy food items. The venue will serve both vegetarian and non-vegetarian items on all days of the festival.

“Vendors are given Food Safety Training and Certificate (FOSTAC) as per FSSAI guidelines. Also, compared to outside food at hotels and restaurants, the food served here is healthier, and more affordable,” explained Dr Satheesh. “We only gave them the place; vendors are in charge of other things including the shamiyana.”

The 3-day food festival is expected to receive a larger number of people. Additionally, it will highlight the motive of the Eat Right India campaign, which is an initiative launched by the FSSAI to promote the intake of nutritional food items.