CJM Dimapur convictsFBO under Food Safety Act

DIMAPUR: Directorate of Health & Family Welfare, Food Safety, has informed that in continuation of food safety law enforcement in the State, the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) Court, Dimapur, on August 4, 2026, convicted a Food Business Operator (FBO) under Section 59(i) of the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA), 2006.
The Court sentenced the defaulting FBO to simple imprisonment and imposed a penalty of Rs. 1,00,000. The criminal complaint was filed by the Food Safety Officer (FSO), Dimapur, and the Designated Officer (DO), Dimapur Zone, with the State represented by the Additional Public Prosecutor and Assistant Public Prosecutor, Dimapur.
For context, a similar conviction under the FSSA was recorded on March 16, 2026, in the CJM Court, Mokokchung, where the accused FBO was likewise sentenced to simple imprisonment and fined Rs.1,00,000. That case was filed by the then FSO Mokokchung and DO (present Dy. Commissioner of Food Safety).
The Directorate stated that these judgments mark another landmark step in strengthening the enforcement of food safety regulations across Nagaland. Presently, multiple food safety cases are under trial before CJM Courts and Adjudicating Officer (AO/ADC) Courts in various districts.
Reaffirming its commitment, the Department of Health & Family Welfare said it will continue monitoring the quality, hygiene and safety of food products sold across Nagaland and take stringent legal action against violations under the FSSA, 2006.
The Department urged all stakeholders in the food supply chain-including manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, wholesalers, home based manufacturers, cloud kitchens, hotels, restaurants, canteens, cafés, re packers and retailers-to maintain strict vigilance and ensure compliance. It reminded that every FBO has a statutory duty to guarantee safe, unadulterated and wholesome food for citizens.
Consumers have been encouraged to lodge complaints with the respective Food Safety Cell under the office of the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) in their zones, or to use the “Food Safety Connect” mobile application developed by FSSAI to report issues online and verify food business licences. The Department reiterated that maintaining food safety is a shared civic responsibility.