Kohima District Task Force begins food safety inspections

DIMAPUR — In line with the resolution of the Kohima District Level Advisory Committee (DLAC) on safe food and healthy diets to prioritise food safety and public health, the Kohima District Task Force on Food Safety has begun inspection of food establishments across the district.

The initiative is aimed at ensuring effective implementation of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, along with its Rules and Regulations of 2011, a DIPR report stated.

On the first day of inspection, the task force visited 11 restaurants and hotels, beginning from Jail Colony. The team carried out checks on key areas including water quality, functionality of electronic appliances, condition of washrooms, kitchen hygiene, food storage practices, and waste management.

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The inspections revealed several lapses such as contamination on walls and peeling paint, damaged exhaust systems, uncovered waste bins, absence of gloves and headgear for kitchen staff, lack of separate knives and storage for vegetables and meat, flies in kitchens, and absence of medical certificates for employees, the report stated.

Out of the 11 establishments inspected, only four hotels along with one restaurant were found to have water analysis reports. Officials reminded that it is mandatory for all food establishments to obtain certification for water quality.

The task force emphasised that inspections will continue across all hotels and restaurants in Kohima to ensure that food safety standards are strictly followed.