MOKOKCHUNG — Having noticed that various shops are selling tobacco products and other abusive substances in close proximity to educational institutions, Ao Students’ Conference (AKM) has directed all the shops to cease the sale of such items within a 100-metre radius of any educational institutions as per the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) 2003 section 6B in Mokokchung district.
AKM cautioned that failure to comply with the notification would result in legal action being pursued against the shops and any other remedies available under the law.
In a press release, AKM stated the sale of tobacco and other abusive substance products around educational institutions raises serious legal and ethical concerns, adding that educational institutions have a responsibility to provide a safe and healthy environment for their students which includes protecting them from exposure to harmful substances.
It added that the sale of tobacco and other abusive substance products within the vicinity of 100 metres not only violates applicable regulations but also compromises the well-being of students and undermines the educational values it strives to impart.
It believed that ensuring transparency and food safety should be a shared responsibility.
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]AKM has also raised concern over food manufacturers and food business operators (FBO) particularly home-based food manufacturers and bakeries, which are selling food items without providing crucial information such as the manufacture date and ingredients used.
It asserted that lack of transparency poses potential health risks to consumers and violates the basic principles of food safety.
In this connection, AKM directed bakers to include the manufacture date and crucial information on their products so that consumers would have better visibility into the freshness and quality of the items they purchased.
It added that food items should always have a clear label on the expiration date and accurate ingredients.
AKM, therefore, directed all food business operators, particularly home-based food manufacturers and bakeries in the district to comply with the necessary labelling standards as directed by the office of the chief medical officer (CMO), Mokokchung.
“This step would not only prioritise public health but also promote consumer trust and confidence in local food,” AKM said.