Food safety workshop held
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 03 2013 : A one-day workshop on 'Food Safety and Regulations: Are We Prepared for a Safe Food', organised by Society for Agriculture, Food and Innovation (SAFI) in association with the North Eastern Finance Development Corporation (Nedfi) was held today at the Food Processing Training Hall, Porompat.

Keirao AC MLA Thamarjit Karam and Principal Secretary (Commerce & Industries) Oinam Nabakishore attended the inauguration programme as the chief guest and president respectively while state Nodal Officer (Food Safety) Ch Sanajaoba, Nedfi branch manager (Imphal) Rajiv Khaidem and Managing Director of Food Safety Training & Research Centre, Maharashtra Durga Prasad Panda were the guests of honour.

Regretting that a number of Central sponsored schemes continue to fail miserably in the State rather than benefit the common people as the welfare programmes intent to, MLA thamarjit opined that judicious implementation of the schemes and sincerity of implementing agencies/officials are two essential components for a scheme to be successful.

Highlighting that misuse of scheme funds and materials by corrupt officials has been one of chief factors for the people unable to reap the benefits, he suggested that the scheme implementing departments ensure assistance to self help groups and industrious individuals/entrepreneurs.

In his presidential address, Nabakishore said that along with increasing awareness of the consumers regarding food safety, there should be equal responsibility by the manufacturers to maintain standard food safety norms.

While conveying that a State Mission Authority would be set up very soon for judicious implementation of projects allotted to Manipur under the Ministry of Food Processing, the Principal Secretary also called upon the targeted beneficiaries to utilise the fund and material provision in a sincere and productive manner.

Rajiv Khaidem in his comment exuded confidence that there would certainly be development in Manipur as there has been increase in the number of educated and industrious entrepreneurs.

Informing that Nedfi had already provided Rs 50 crore loan to set up various industries in the State, the branch Manager assured to sustain the financial institution's endeavour to spur industrial development in Manipur.

According to State Nodal officer Ch Sanajaoba, it is mandatory for food manufacturing units to register as per provisions of the Food safety Act, passed by the Parliament in 2006 .

He also asked food unregistered manufacturing units to comply with licensing regulations within 2014 to avoid shut-down of their respective units.

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