Participants and others during the Food Safety Awareness Programme at Longkei village, Mon district, on July 16. The Food Safety Administration, Dimapur Zone, conducted similar programmes at Leangyu, Tuimei, Phuktong and Mon villages on July 16 and 17. (Photo Courtesy: FSA Dimapur Zone)
Mon, July 22 (MExN): From reading food labels and safe food handling to avoiding repeatedly used cooking oil, residents of five villages in Mon district were sensitised on everyday practices to prevent foodborne illnesses and promote healthier diets.
The Food Safety Administration (FSA), Dimapur Zone, conducted Food Safety Awareness Programmes at Longkei, Leangyu, Tuimei, Phuktong and Mon villages on July 16 and 17.
During the programmes, Food Safety Officer, Mon, Tiaienla highlighted the importance of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) licensing and registration for food business operators to ensure compliance with food safety standards.
Food Technician Zuthungbemo K Ngullie of Food Safety on Wheels conducted sessions on the theme, “Food Safety is Everyone’s Responsibility,” focusing on proper handwashing, safe food handling, safe drinking water, personal hygiene and maintaining appropriate temperatures for cooked food to prevent foodborne illnesses.
He also explained food hazards, particularly biological contamination, and stressed the importance of washing fruits and vegetables before consumption.
Participants were sensitised on the benefits of fortified rice distributed under the Public Distribution System (PDS), the difference between medically recommended Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) and commercially available ORSL beverages, and healthy dietary practices.
The sessions also highlighted the health risks associated with excessive consumption of pork lard and repeatedly used cooking oil, as well as the high sugar content and artificial additives in packaged snack foods. Participants were encouraged to read food labels, eat a balanced diet and maintain cleanliness during food preparation.
Hands-on demonstrations were also conducted, while flyers and other awareness materials were distributed to reinforce key food safety messages, according to a press release from the FSA Dimapur Zone.
