The department of Health and Family Welfare observed the 7th World Food Safety Day by organising an awareness programme at Chandmari Higher Secondary School, Kohima under the theme “Food Safety: Science in Action” in order to sensitize young people about the vital role of food safety in protecting public health and ensuring a healthier future.
Food Safety commissioner and Commissioner and Secretary for Health and Family Welfare, Anoop Khinchi while delivering the keynote address, raised concern over the growing consumption of processed food which leads to diseases such as diabetes and obesity, even among children.
“Today, children are being diagnosed with diabetes something that used to be considered a disease of the elderly. This is a warning sign. We must be careful with what we eat,” Khinchi cautioned. He also advised everyone to consume freshly cooked meals rather than having processed food.
Khinchi highlighted the importance active lifestyle, pointing out that obesity is emerging as a serious health threat across Nagaland and the country.
“We Nagas love sports. Let us return to that spirit and avoid the sedentary lifestyle that is quietly making us sick,” he added.
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On the observance of World Food Safety Day, Khinchi said this is not just symbolic but a global call to action to ensure that the food we consume is safe, nutritious, and handled hygienically. Highlighting the theme of the event “Food Safety: Science in Action,” the official noted that science plays a crucial role in understanding, preventing and managing food safety risks. He stressed that scientific research provides the tools to detect harmful pathogens, develop preservation technologies, assess risks, and implement safety standards across the food supply chain right from production to the consumer’s plate.
“Without science, it is impossible to ensure food safety across the increasingly global and complex food systems,” he added.
Also speaking at the event, head of department Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Mereninla Senlem also expressed concern over the rise of obesity in India. She maintained that the increased intake of processed food, sedentary habits, and environmental changes affect both rural and urban populations.
Citing data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-5 (2019–21), she said 24% of Indian women and 23% of men are now overweight or obese, with childhood obesity also on the rise. She highlighted the health risks associated with obesity, including diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and joint and respiratory complications.
Dr. Senlem also urged individuals to embrace a balanced diet, regular physical activity, stress management, and proper sleep to tackle the growing crisis.
Participants of the program were reminded of key consumer responsibilities, such as checking food labels for nutritional information, manufacturing and expiry dates, ingredient lists, and FSSAI registration. Guidelines were shared on safe food practices including cleanliness, separation of raw and cooked foods, correct cooking temperatures, refrigeration, sourcing safe raw materials, and proper food storage.
Mention may be made that the State Public Health Laboratory at Para Medical, Kohima, is the only government food testing facility in Nagaland where samples can be submitted for quality analysis under the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA).
