Mobile food testing laboratory “Food Safety on Wheels’, launched on April 23 in Dimapur, commenced operation on Tuesday, where a joint team led by food safety officer (FSO), Dimapur and technicians from State Public Health Laboratory, Kohima conducted preliminary tests on various food samples at New Market area.
During the tests, small traces of iron were found from the loose tea leaves, which the team said was harmful to human consumption. FSO Dimapur, Sendong Jamir, who assisted technicians from the State Public Health Laboratory, Kohima, said that team carried out test on samples of specific items such as species, beverages and milk and its products. FSO said that tests will be conducted on items wise.
He that the main objective of the mobile laboratory was to curb adulteration by facilitating on-the-spot testing of food samples at free of cost.
Since, the primary objective was to create awareness and sensitize vendors and consumers on food safety, the FSO said that the findings by the team will be send to the higher authorities for necessary actions. Therefore, any action against the defaulters will be initiated only through the directive of the higher authorities, he said.
Food Safety on Wheels will be travelling to Peren on April 27 and 28. It may be noted that the laboratory, apart from conducting simple tests on food samples will also be used for awareness building around food safety, hygiene and promoting healthy eating habits. Meanwhile, FSO has appealed to the public to report any mal-practices by vendors or grievances to Chief Medical Officer Dimapur.