The Food Safety Authority Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Nagaland observed the 5th World Food Safety Day on Wednesday, under the theme “Food standard Save Lives”. Y Kikheto Sema, IAS, Commissioner of Food Safety and Commissioner and Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Department, Government of Nagaland graced the program that was held at Kendriya Vidyalaya (KV) School, Lerie, Kohima.

In his speech, he mentioned that the U.N approved the annual celebration of World Food Safety Day in 2018 and the first celebration was held on 19 June 2019. The theme for this year, ‘Food Standards Saves Lives’, “intends to draw attention to and inspire action toward preventing, detecting, mitigating food borne risks,” Sema said.

“It is not fair for terms like clothes and shoes to be sold in big stores and buildings but the food that we eat are sold on the streets which are not hygienic or safe at all,” he added.

Further, Kikheto said that good food and water save lives. He informed that food borne diseases affect 1 in 10 people worldwide each year and more than 600 million people fall ill, and 4.20 lakhs die every year from eating contaminated food. About 2 million deaths every year in India is due to consuming contaminated food and water. 200 diseases caused by unsafe food, ranging from diarrhoea to cancers globally, he said.

The food safety commissioner also mentioned that there is no food security without food safety; food safety impacts positively on economies and livelihoods; food standards protect consumers and help producers; food safety has direct impact on health, food safety; everyone is a risk manager when it comes to food safety.

Y Kikheto Sema, IAS, Commissioner of Food Safety and Commissioner and Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Department

Furthermore, Kikheto informed that he had requested the Government of India to provide Nagaland with five basic food laboratory and five Modified Food Safety on Wheels (MFSW) with manpower support during the 40 National Meeting of Central Advisory Committee, FSSAI, Delhi on 25 May 2023.

Read more: Kikheto highlights need for food testing laboratories in Nagaland at FSSAI meeting in Delhi

The Commissioner and Secretary H&FW said, “Nagaland is not a dust-bin for the adulterated, sub-standard products within and outside the country. We need to work hard and eat our own organic products. Once we are equipped with equipment and manpower support, we shall carry out massive and effective surveillance, monitoring of food products in the state for the safety of our people. And will be there in market, schools, hotels etc.” He urged, “Being Naga, Buy Naga product.”

He also ensured that the department would give full support in checking and surveying the whole market on the street. Everybody should be able to enjoy food that is safe and meets high standards,

Kikheto Sema said the key to safety is in our hands and ended his speech by quoting “Let your food be your medicine, and your medicine be your food”.

The program was chaired by State program officer (Food safety) Health and family welfare Dr John Kemp. He also pronounced the welcome address and shared on the significance of world food safety day.

Earlier the program was blessed with invocation by assistant director (technical), State Public Health Laboratory (SPHL), Bendangsenla and vote of thanks was pronounced by Deputy Director (Food Analyst), SPHL, Khrukutolu Veswuh.

The program was followed by awareness/ demonstration of detecting common food adulterant.