Our Correspondent
Kohima | June 7
Nagaland today took a pledge to work towards ensuring that all people, especially the poor and most vulnerable, have access to safe and nutritious food.
This pledge was taken during the observance of the first ever World Food Safety Day here today at the Directorate of Health & Family Welfare under the theme ‘Food safety, Everyone’s business.’
Further, the gathering at the programme also vowed to promote safe food, and to prevent, detect, and manage food borne risks.
Addressing the function, Nagaland Health & Family Welfare Minister, S Pangnyu Phom said that the paramount requirement for the nation is the availability of safe food in sufficient amount. He pointed out that the Government of India had passed a comprehensive integrated food law called the Food Safety and Standards Acts 2006.
He informed that the existing state public health laboratory in Kohima is now fully renovated and upgraded with sophisticated high-end equipments, and that a Food Safety on Wheel initiative was also launched for on the spot testing of any food item. It was this team which detected formalin in fish and other chemicals in fruit products last year.
Himato Zhimomi, Principal Secretary cum Commissioner, Food Safety Commission, H&FW Department said that food safety is everybody’s business and very important, particularly for the young as they are the most vulnerable group.
It is estimated that because of food safety issues and other expenses that arise, about $95 billon of food productivity is wasted.
Himato deliberated on some parameters about food safety regarding how the department will govern food safety, and partnerships between the state, market forces and the public to make the state healthier. He also urged for zero tolerance towards food waste in private and professional lives.
Dr. Vikeyie Losu, Principal Director & Addl. Commissioner Food Safety, H&FW stressed on three major health challenges faced by the world; the first challenge is diseases caused by food contaminated with bacteria, viruses, parasites or toxins; the second being non-communicable diseases and the third challenge malnutrition.
He mentioned that all these challenges can be prevented by securing food safety, good nutrition and healthy eating habits.
Losu added that the Food Safety and Standard Authority of India has tried hard to shift the enforcement and detection based approach to a more self regularity paradigm which can be achieved through cooperation and partnership among all stake holders.
He also said that the State Food Safety Team has worked relentlessly to bring about changes in Nagaland. “Food safety is a shared responsibility between government agencies, the food producers, sellers and buyers, therefore everyone should make sure that healthy and nutritional food are being distributed,” he stressed.
