Kohima, 7 June (MTNews): Nagaland Commissioner of Food Safety and Commissioner & Secretary of Health and Family Welfare, Y Kikheto Sema IAS made a resolute pledge to ensure food safety within the state.
Pointing out that Nagaland is not a dustbin for adulterated and sub-standard products, Sema said that in order to provide safe food to the people, the state government has requested the Central government to set up five basic food laboratories and Modified Food Safety on Wheels (MFSW) with adequate manpower.
Currently, the state has only one food safety lab in Kohima and three MFSWs.
“Once we are equipped properly, we will verify imported as well locally produced food items and ban the selling of any adulterated food,” the official said.
Sema assured that extensive and effective surveillance and monitoring of food products in the state would be conducted promptly to ensure the safety of the people. He revealed that an expert team would soon be dispatched to various locations, including markets, schools, hostels, and restaurants, to conduct thorough inspections.
From fresh produce to dry commodities, all products would undergo rigorous scrutiny, he said, and stressed that the Nagaland Food Safety Authority would not permit the sale of any item in the state’s markets that failed to meet the high standards required for food safety.
“Everybody should be able to enjoy food that is safe, meets high standards, and is good for their health,” Sema emphasized.
Sema drew attention to the importance of safety and urged everyone to remain aware of its significance. He encouraged the gathering with the quote, “Let your food be your medicine and your medicine be your food,” emphasizing the profound connection between proper nutrition and good health.
Sema was speaking as a special guest speaker at the 5th World Food Safety Day 2023, held under the theme “Food Standard Save Lives” at Kendriya Vidyalaya (KV) School in Lerie, Kohima on Wednesday. The event was organized by the Food Safety Authority, Department of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Nagaland.
Sema expressed that the observance of World Food Safety Day with the theme “Food Standard Save Lives” aimed to raise awareness and prompt action to prevent, detect, and mitigate foodborne risks. He firmly stated, “There is no food security without food safety since it has a direct impact on health.”