Northeast Desk, 8th June: The Singtam Nagar Panchayat on June 7 hosted a vibrant celebration to mark World Food Safety Day, organized by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), Health & Family Welfare Department, Government of Sikkim. Themed “Food Safety: Preparing for the Unexpected,” the event saw participation from various dignitaries, including Deputy Mayor of Gangtok Municipal Corporation (GMC), Tshering Palden Bhutia, who served as the Chief Guest.
The event was attended by councillors from Upper MG Marg, Lower MG Marg, and Singtam Nagar Panchayat, as well as esteemed guests such as the Food Safety Commissioner cum Secretary of Health & Family Welfare Department, DMS District Hospital Singtam, Municipal Executive Officers (MEOs) from Mangan and Gyalshing Nagar Panchayats, the Principal of Singtam Senior Secondary School, SHO Singtam Police Station, and representatives from pharmaceutical companies like Alkem, Intas, and Macleods.
- Welcome and Keynote Addresses:
- Dr. Shilpa Sunwar, Food Safety Officer, delivered the welcome address.
- N. Thapa, Additional Director of FDA, provided the keynote address.
- Certificates and Clothing Line Launch:
- Certificates for Clean Street Food Hub were handed to the Councillors of MG Marg Gangtok.
- Clean Fruit & Vegetable Market certificates were awarded to the MEOs of various market complexes.
- The Chief Guest and the Food Safety Commissioner launched an ideal clothing line for Food Business Operators (FBOs), comprising aprons, headgear, and gloves, which were distributed to FBOs in Gangtok.
- Speeches and Pledges:
- Deputy Mayor Tshering Palden Bhutia highlighted the importance of hygiene and food safety.
- Dr. AB Karki, Food Safety Commissioner cum Secretary Health & Family Welfare Department, urged active participation in safeguarding the food safety ecosystem and emphasized adherence to the Food Safety & Standards Act, 2006.
- A food safety pledge was taken by all attendees.
- Inspections and Testing:
- Post-event, a team led by the Food Safety Commissioner conducted inspections of food business premises.
- The team assessed hygiene and sanitation, conducted on-the-spot testing of cooking oils and fruit samples for artificial ripening using the mobile food testing van “Food Safety on Wheels.”
- FBOs were advised to adhere strictly to guidelines in Schedule 4 of the Food Safety & Standards Act, 2006.
This event underscores the collaborative efforts of the government, local bodies, and the community in promoting food safety and public health.
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