The 3rd World Food Safety Day was observed on 7th June, 2021 at State Public Health Laboratory, CMO Office, Kohima which was organized by Food Safety Nagaland, Department of Health & Family Welfare, under the theme “SAFE FOOD NOW FOR A HEALTHY TOMORROW”

Principal Secretary/Food Safety Commissioner to the Government of Nagaland, Amardeep Singh Bhatia, IAS, in his keynote speech mentioned that the 7th of June was designated as World Food Safety Day in 2018 with the objective to mainstream the food safety awareness to the general public with special concerns on the impact of disease passed on by food. He said that it is important to ensure safe food chain for people, animals, plants and economy so that in future everyone is protected.

The Food Safety Commissioner shared his concerns that Naga Society is gradually shifting in food habits and life style which is posing a threat therefore it is very important to take action and regulatory authorities should take up responsibilities for creating awareness on consumption of food. It is also necessary to ensure that food producers like restaurant, food chain suppliers, food stalls should know about the importance of food hygiene and the authorities should not only enforce but encourage hygiene etiquette to producers, Bhatia added. Later, he encouraged all the officials to work jointly with all the available resources and to ensure safe food, healthy lifestyle and consumption habits for healthy tomorrow.

The program also hosted demonstration-cum-interactive discussion on Food Safety Issues relating to the State which was led by Food Analyst (SPHL), Khrukutolu Veswuh, and her team. The session demonstrated how to identify fresh/stale egg, identify contaminated water and identify food coloring in eatable produce. The Food Analyst team requested the gathering to spread awareness on food safety to prevent food borne diseases by advocating food hygiene.

 Deputy Director, Dr. John Kemp chaired the program and in his welcome speech, he acknowledged the Department for allowing to host the observation program. He mentioned that it is humbling, motivating and encouraging to witness all officials from Secretariat, Directorate and District to come together which signifies concerns for the importance of food safety.

Asst. Food Safety Commissioner, DHFW, Sendongkaba Jamir, pronounced vote of thanks and he expressed his gratitude to all the officials for making the program a successful and fruitful event.

                                                                                    (DIPR)