World Food Safety Day: Urgent call for healthier eating

The 7th World Food Safety Day was observed at Chandmari Higher Secondary School, Kohima, with the theme “Food Safety: Science in Action.” Organized by the Department of Health & Family Welfare, the event aimed to raise awareness on food safety’s critical role in protecting public health and promoting a healthier future.
Delivering the keynote address, Anoop Khinchi, Commissioner of Food Safety and Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, urged the public—especially the youth—to rethink their food choices. He cautioned against the increasing consumption of processed foods high in salt, sugar, and fat, warning that lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and obesity are rising at an alarming rate—even among children.
“Children are being diagnosed with diabetes, a disease once associated with old age. This is a serious warning sign,” Khinchi emphasized, advising people to prioritize freshly cooked meals with less oil and embrace an active lifestyle to combat obesity.
Dr. Mereninla Senlem, head of Health & Family Welfare, echoed these concerns, citing data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-5 (2019–21) that shows 24% of Indian women and 23% of men are overweight or obese. She attributed this to processed food consumption, sedentary habits, and environmental factors, highlighting obesity’s risks—diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and respiratory complications.
Officials also discussed the vital role of food science and technology in preventing contamination and ensuring safe consumption. They outlined various consumer responsibilities, such as checking labels for nutritional information and expiry dates, safe food handling practices, and proper storage methods.
The event concluded with an interactive session, reinforcing the urgent need for informed consumer choices and healthier lifestyles.
The State Public Health Laboratory at Para Medical, Kohima, remains the only government food testing facility in Nagaland, where samples can be submitted under the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA).
A literary competition was also organised to mark the day.