Nagaland Government has extended ban on sale of fresh fish and fish products including crustaceans, for another three months, with effect from September 23, until corrective measures were taken against formalin treated fishes.
Also read: Fresh ban on fish import in two Nagaland districts
In a notification, principal secretary cum food safety commissioner, Department of Health and Family Welfare, I Himato Zhimomi, stated that storage, distribution or sale of fresh fish products including crustaceans treated with formalin or other forms of preservatives in Nagaland was prohibited.
The food safety commissioner cautioned that non-compliance to the notification would be an offence and would attract penalties up to Rs 10 lakh with imprisonment under section 59 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Further, the designated officers and food safety officer of the districts have been directed to strengthen surveillance activity under its jurisdictions.
The State Government has also issued advisory to the head of institutions for safe and nutritious food for school children.
In an advisory, food safety commissioner, Zhimomi, advised school/institutions to take steps to enhance availability of wholesome and nutritious food to school children and to restrict/limit availability of high fat, sugar and salt foods or junk food for children.
Further, to inculcate good food habits for the school children, all the heads of the schools/institutes have been advised to ensure a standard of food safety around the schools, including lunch box, canteens, etc.
The government has also advised the heads of the institutions to give a set of instructions to food business operators operating within the school premises,
These include all mobile food vendors and canteens should be registered under State Food Safety Authority in order to abide by the Food Safety & Standards Regulations and guidelines under Food Safety & Standards Act, 2006.
Every food handler should have Medical Fitness Certificate and adhere to personal hygiene like wearing headgears, gloves, apron and clean clothes.
Safe drinking water with wash basin must be made available.