The Food Safety Administration under the Directorate of Health Services, Manipur, in collaboration with the National Sports University (NSU), Imphal, observed World Food Safety Day 2026 today with a call for greater awareness and strict adherence to food safety standards.
The programme was held at the Multipurpose Hall of the National Sports University, Khuman Lampak, under the global theme, “From Burden to Solution: Food Safety Everywhere.”
Speaking at the event, National Sports University Vice-Chancellor Daljit Singh Chawdhary said access to clean and safe food is a basic human right. He noted that food contamination and food poisoning continue to pose serious public health challenges worldwide, leading to illness and deaths among millions of people every year.
Drawing a comparison with the health hygiene practices adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Vice-Chancellor stressed that food safety protocols should become an integral part of daily life. He observed that food-borne diseases not only affect public health, particularly women and children, but also have a significant impact on productivity and the economy.
Referring to data from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), he highlighted the growing global concern over food-related diseases and underscored the need for strict compliance with food safety measures at every stage of food production, handling and consumption.
Chawdhary also acknowledged the important role of educators, scientists and public health professionals in promoting food safety and ensuring the availability of safe and nutritious food to the public. He called upon all stakeholders to work collectively towards building a healthier society through responsible food practices.
Among those present at the programme were Director of Health Services Dr. N. Hemantakumar, Dean of the College of Food Technology, Central Agricultural University, Prof. Ng. Iboyaima, Scientist-F of the Microbial Resource Division, Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD), Dr. Indira Sarangthem, along with faculty members, students and officials of the Food Safety Administration.
As part of the observance, winners of a Spelling Bee Competition were also felicitated and awarded prizes.
