DIMAPUR: Food Safety Mokokchung Zone conducted awareness camps on safe and fortified food, re-purposing used cooking oil, good manufacturing practices, and sensitization for Food Business Operators (FBOs) at Khensa, Chungtia, and Mongsentimti villages on May 5 and 6. The programmes were held at the respective village council halls and attended by village authorities, student and youth representatives, women groups, SHGs, Anganwadi workers, and FBOs.
Samuel Zehol, Designated Officer, Food Safety Mokokchung Zone, highlighted the responsibilities of FBOs, including mandatory possession of FSSAI registration and licenses, compliance with hygiene and sanitation norms, and medical fitness certification for employees at manufacturing and fast-food establishments. He emphasized the importance of fortified food in improving public health and cautioned against the hazards of reusing cooking oil, which can produce harmful chemicals leading to serious health issues.
He also urged the public to be vigilant about processed foods containing preservatives, artificial colours, and sweetening agents, noting that while many additives are regulated, misuse or addition of non-permitted substances poses risks. Concerns regarding unlabelled and misbranded food products were deliberated, with village authorities requested to exercise strict vigilance and report complaints to the Designated Officer, Food Safety Mokokchung Zone, under the Chief Medical Officer, Mokokchung.
Food Technicians N. Hamche Phom and Maongbenla Jamir from Food Safety on Wheels demonstrated methods to detect common adulterants in food items to the participants.
