The District Level Advisory Committee (DLAC) held a meeting at DC’s conference hall, Dimapur on 23rd March 2022. Deputy Commissioner & Chairman of the District Level Advisory Committee Ramesh Soundararajan IAS Dimapur chaired the meeting.

A brief note on Food Safety activities and its emerging challenges was addressed by designated officer of Food Safety, Samuel Zehol. The notified Food Analyst of State Public Health Laboratory, Kohima Khrukutolu Veswuh highlighted the status and its functions of the Laboratory. 

The following matters were deliberated:

1.      The food Analyst, State Public Health Laboratory, Kohima informed the members of the house that government supplied rice will be fortified by 2024. Correspondingly, awareness has to be disseminated by the line Department in order to avoid public confusion.

2.      To create awareness and bring all the food Business operations (FBOs) under the umbrella of FSSAI Registration and Licensing. 

3.      With regard to the fortified rice issue, there is a need for public awareness regarding the proper authority to contact for any complaints. For that matter, redressal of public grievances for any issues pertaining to food items which need to be addressed to the concerned Food Safety authority, a press release may be issued by the state authority to impart knowledge.

4.      Mid-Day meals are to be tested by the State Public Health Laboratory, Kohima before distributing it to the schools. 

5.      Awareness generation for FBOs and police personnel to be conducted by Food Safety,  Dimapur Zone in Collaboration with Police Department and Dimapur Chamber of Commerce & Industries (DCCI).

(Sebu, IA Dimapur)