The Food Safety Authority, Department of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Nagaland observed the 5th World Food Safety Day 2023 with a theme "Food Standard Save Lives" at Kendriya Vidyalaya (KV) School, Lerie, Kohima on 7th June 2023.
Speaking at the program as the Special |Guest Commissioner of Food Safety cum Commissioner & Secretary, H& FW, Nagaland, Y. Kikheto Sema, IAS said that observing the World Food Safety Day with a theme" Food Standard Save Lives" intends to draw attention to and inspire action towards Preventing, Detecting and Mitigating Food borne risks.
Kikheto Sema said there is no Food Security without food safety since it (food safety) has a direct impact on health. He also said that food safety has a positive impact on economies and livelihoods and protects both producers and consumers. He further lamented that Nagaland is not a DUST BIN for the adulterated sub- standard products from within and outside the country, and assured to carry out massive and effective surveillance, monitoring of food products in the state at the earliest for safety of our people and informed that the expert team will be in the Markets, Schools, Hostels and Restaurants etc very soon and until and unless the products (from fresh vegetables, fruits to dry commodities) are being checked. The Nagaland Food Safety Authority will not allow to sale in the market anywhere in the state, since everybody should be able to enjoy food that is safe, which meets high standard and is good for health. Kikheto Sema also said that Safety is no accident, that everyone should be aware of, and encouraged the gathering by quoting "Let your food be your medicine and your medicine be your food."
Earlier, the chairperson of the program, Dr. John Kemp, State Program Officer (Food Safety), Department of Health & Family Welfare in his welcome speech spoke about the significance of World Food Safety Day and why it is being observed.
Vote of thanks was pronounced by Dy. Director (Food Analyst) SPHL, Khrukutolu Veswuh followed by Awareness/ Demonstration of detecting common food adulterant. Officials from Health & Family Welfare Department, KSCDL and other department were present at the program.
(Khekiye IA, Kohima)
