Kerala - Kochi   

Promote traditional food: Minister

KOCHI: The State meeting of Bakers Association Kerala (BAKE) concluded here on Sunday, with a call to promote the sale of Kerala’s traditional food items through bakeries.

The association also embarked on BAKE-FIT, a drive to ensure the cleanliness of kitchens where bakery goods are manufactured. Inaugurating the valedictory meeting, Fisheries Minister S Sarma promised government help for the association’s initiatives. Founder office-bearer of BAKE, P N Sankaran, who was elected as the president of the association, said the association will embark on a drive to encourage the sale of traditional food items through bakeries. “Their demand has fallen, mainly because of inadequate marketing.” Another endeavour is to do away with the use of colours in banana chips. Manufacturers must remember that the use of colours in chips and biriyani is an offence punishable with two years’ imprisonment, he said. Under BAKE-FIT, which was unveiled by Chief Food Inspector K Ajithkumar, office-bearers of the association will visit bakery kitchens, accompanied by the local health inspector. The kitchens that conform to cleanliness standards will be given a fitness certificate. K R Balan was elected general secretary of the organisation at Sunday’s meeting.

The Ministry of Food Processing Industries has developed a Vision 2015 plan for the food processing sector. The Ministry has prepared an action plan for energising the sector during the 11th Plan, according to Union Minister of State for Food Processing Industries, Subodh Kant Sahai. In a communication to BAKE, the minister said major initiatives under the action plan would include 30 mega food parks or integrated food zones in the public-private participation mode, modernisation of 100 abattoirs, setting up of 100 laboratories, establishment of a Meat Board and a national institute for food technology.

The government has recognised the food processing sector as one of the thrust areas. Modern retail presents a golden opportunity for the small and micro sectors in the food processing industry to develop branded products in a modern, value added format. On Saturday, inaugurating the State convention of BAKE, K.V.Thomas, MLA said though foreign food items were entering the Indian market, they won’t be able to compete with the traditional food items in Kerala.

He urged the baking industry to adhere to quality standards while preparing traditional or innovative food items.

P.M. Sankaran, State president of BAKE, said the association had earlier launched a campaign to eliminate unhealthy colouring substances used in bakery products.

Simon George, a top executive of a food processing company, said an institute would be set up to provide training in various aspects of food processing.

Food safety, modern trends and research and development facilities would be available at the institute. The institute will be set up in Bangalore. The Bakers Association Kerala will be associated with the institute.

P.U. Jose, president of Apex Council of Commerce and Industry, Reji C.George, Chief Food Inspector, Kozhikkode, K.Kuriakose, hotel industry representative, A.K.Viswanathan, A.R.Salim, Vijesh Viswanath, M.Naushad, M.P.Ramesh, office bearers of BAKE, were also present.

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