Sensitization Workshop on Front-of-Pack Labeling (FOPL) for Journalists

 On November 5th, 2023, a crucial sensitization workshop addressing the significance of Front-of-Pack Labeling (FOPL) was held at the Doon Library and Research Center in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi welcomed the participants, shedding light on the urgency of the issue and providing valuable insights into various aspects. During the workshop, a comprehensive discussion unfolded, focusing on the pressing matter at hand.

Dr. Raghuvanshi delved into the recent National Family Health Survey (NFHS) data, emphasizing the alarming rates of child obesity and the challenge of the double burden of malnutrition. He highlighted the ongoing campaign advocating for FOPL as a crucial step in addressing these issues.


Prof. Pradeep Agrawal, from the Department of Community Medicine at AIIMS Rishikesh, led a session on "Why FOPL is a Burning Issue?" during which he discussed the health harms associated with improper labeling. Prof. Agrawal elucidated the adverse effects of high levels of sugar, salt, and trans-fat in daily diets, linking them to non-communicable diseases. He stressed the importance of a healthy lifestyle and exercise to reduce the burden of such diseases.


Shri Abhishek Pratap, Senior Advisor at Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI), shared insights during a session on "Types of FOPL, Status of Regulation, and Global Initiatives." He recounted the journey of FOPL implementation in India, highlighting the introduction of warning label symbols. He also shared information about countries successfully implementing FOPL with warning labels.


Ms. Lopa Ghosh, Country Coordinator Communication, provided valuable guidance on storytelling techniques for this critical issue. The session included an open discussion addressing the challenges journalists face when covering health-related issues in the media.


The event saw participation from journalists representing major Hindi newspapers such as Amar Ujala, Pioneer, Hindustan, Dainik Jagran, Rashtriya Sahara, and various local and regional publications. A total of 40 participants actively engaged in the workshop, contributing to a productive and insightful discussion.

The sensitization workshop proved to be an essential platform for journalists to gain a deeper understanding of FOPL and its implications on public health. The diverse perspectives shared by the speakers, combined with the active participation of journalists, contributed to fostering awareness and advocating for positive change in food labeling practices.

News Published: 

1. Amar Ujala




2. 

फ्रंट ऑफ पैकेज लेबलिंग को लेकर मीडिया कर्मियों के साथ एक दिवसीय कार्यशाला का आयोजन https://sarthakprayash.com/organization-of-one-day-workshop-with-media-persons-on-front-of-package-labelling/ 


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