Gyalshing, 10 Sept (IPR): The first District level meeting for District Level Advisory Committee for Food Safety was successfully conducted at West Sikkim under the Chairmanship of District Collector, West, Shri Karma R. Bonpo, at the conference hall of District Hospital in Gyalshing.

Present in the meeting were Director (Food & Drug Administration, Health & Family Welfare Department), Dr. Thinlay Wongyal, Chief Medical Officer, West, Dr. Tsheten Namgyal Bhutia, Sub Divisional Police Officer, Gyalshing, Shri Sonam Wangdi Bhutia, along with West District officials and dignitaries.

The DC West in his brief address mentioned the importance of food standards which needs to be checked in the West district. He stressed that periodical checks should be done by the authority in the areas where such commodities are being sold and consumed by the locals. He stated that shops (eateries/fast food stalls etc.) need to obtain the Food safety certification from the concerned authority in order to avoid the cancellation of their respective trade licenses.

He also directed the concerned authorities and officials to keep a strict vigil on such issues which can hamper the public’s health and wellness. He also mentioned that since the District Level Advisory Committee for Food Safety has been formed it is now the duty of the concerned officials to check and notify if the guidelines are not being followed.

He further stated that now the shop owners and business who fall under this spectrum needs to be sensitized about the Food Safety and Standards Act.

The meeting also had open discussion under which various district officials exchanged their opinions and ideas which would soon be incorporated into a guideline for the respective shop owners for availing Food Safety Certificates.

Close coordination between Horticulture, Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, PHE, Education and Municipal bodies would also prove beneficial.