Food Safety District Level Advisory Committee held its 4th quarterly meeting at the DC's conference hall, Dimapur on March 4.
Dimapur, March 4 (MExN): The Food Safety District Level Advisory Committee (DLAC) held its 4th quarterly meeting at the DC's conference hall, Dimapur on March 4.
A major discussion area was on the street food vendors in the district. All street food vendors are to be registered under the Food Safety Officer who is also the Registering Authority of the district concerned.
However, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has waived off the fees for this category of Food Business Operators, stated a press release received here.
Given the popularity of street food among the public, especially youngsters and working professionals, the committee emphasised the need for strict vigilance to ensure food safety standards are met.
Dr Tinojongshi Chang, Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur and DLAC Chairman, expressed concern over unlabelled and unhygienic food articles sold in the market.
He stressed the importance of routine inspections of hotels and restaurants to ensure compliance with FSSAI regulations, the press release stated.
Zakabo Rotokha, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Dimapur cum Adjudicating Officer (AO), Food Safety spoke on the food cases that were being disposed at his court. He emphasised need of awareness to the Food Business Operators at large thereby meeting the compliances as per the provision laid down in the food safety norms. He also pointed out the shortage of manpower in the Food Safety department, which hampers the effective implementation and enforcement of food safety laws.
Chief Medical Officer and also Vice-Chairman, DLAC, Dr T Temsu Longkumer spoke on the importance of obtaining Medical Fitness certificate for all food handlers under manufacturing and food services. He also raised concerns about the need for stricter inspections of water bottling plants and the importance of spreading food safety awareness in schools and colleges.
Samuel Zehol, Designated Officer for Food Safety in Dimapur, provided an overview of the Food Safety & Standards Act of India (FSSAI). He explained that FSSAI sets science-based standards for all food categories and FSSAI is the single reference point' for all matters relating to food safety, rules, regulation and enforcement. It is a shift from a mere regulatory regime to self compliance through Food Safety Management System (FSMS).
The meeting was chaired by the CMO Dimapur and attended by officials from various departments, including the Commissioner of Police, Agriculture, District Industries & Commerce, and the District Welfare Office. Representatives from Dimapur Chamber of Commerce & Industries, District Hospital, and Food Business Operators were also present.
