Awareness Cum Demonstration Program on Adulteration in Agricultural Commoditie

The Department of Food Technology organised an Awareness Cum Demonstration Program on Adulteration in Agricultural Commodities on 8 February 2024. The resource persons for the event were Smt N. Padmaja, Senior Chemist, and Smt Roshni R and Smt Kousalya N, Junior Chemist, Regional AGMARK Laboratory, Directorate of Marketing and Inspection, Chennai.
Smt N. Padmaja addressed the gathering on the topic AGMARK and food adulteration and detection. She provided a comprehensive history of AGMARK and how it was formed in 1937 through the efforts of Mr. Livingstone, who was in charge of Ministry of Agriculture and Produce Inspection, Government of India between 1934 to 1941. She informed that the extant law establishing AGMARK was revised in 1986 by Government of India. She also elaborated the functions, roles, and activities of AGMARK.
The second session on demonstration of food adulteration and detection was handled by Smt Roshni R and Smt Kouslya N. They demonstrated the different food adulterations that are very common in India and how the various adulterations could be detected. Hands on tests were carried out and the participants were also allowed to participate.
In his augural address, Dr. Alexander Jesudasan, Pro Vice Chancellor welcomed the guests and the participants. The Pro Vice Chancellor itemised the importance of food adulteration and the reasons for individuals to be vigilant on the food they consume because of the hazards and risks involved in consumer safety. He encouraged everyone to consume safe foods for a healthy living.
The welcome address was delivered by Dr. Marcelin Pushpa, Dean i/c SLAAS. The Dean expressed her profundity for the awareness program and welcomed everyone to the program. Dr. T. Sivapriya Head of Department i/c delivered her vote of thanks and the program concluded with the National Anthem.