Street food vendors attend the ‘Serve Safe Food’ training organised in Kohima by NASVI and Nestlé India in collaboration with the Food Safety Authority Nagaland. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | July 16
Street food vendors in Kohima on Wednesday underwent training on food safety and hygiene as part of the ‘Serve Safe Food’ project organised by the National Association of Street Vendors of India (NASVI) and Nestlé India Limited in collaboration with the Food Safety Authority Nagaland.
The training, held at Eastgate Hotel, covered topics such as personal and cart hygiene, food handling and safety, cleaning and pest control, and waste management. At the end of the session, participants were awarded Food Safety Training & Certification (FoSTaC) certificates along with hygiene kits.
Street food vendors in Kohima primarily operate around areas such as Head Post Office, Razhu Point, Phoolbari, PHQ Junction, Sanuorü Bridge site, and the NST area, offering items including panipuri, chow, momo, samosas, jalebi, chole, and noodles.
‘Safe food environment for all’
Addressing the inaugural programme, Dr John Kemp, State Programme Officer (Food Safety), Department of Health & Family Welfare, Nagaland, thanked NASVI and Nestlé India for organising the free training to help capacitate street food vendors. “Through this training, you will be upgraded to another level where the question of food-borne diseases will not arise among our local population,” he said.
Dignitaries with some of the street food vendors in Kohima on July 16. (Morung Photo)
C Merenlemba, Assistant Commissioner of Food Safety, urged the vendors to apply their learning in daily practice and adhere to the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSS Act), which regulates food safety in India. He said that good manufacturing practices, food safety management systems, and good hygiene practices would help their businesses grow.
‘Obtain food safety registration certificate’
Kezhangulie Yimchunger, Designated Officer (Food Safety), Kohima Zone, advised vendors to obtain food safety registration certificates. He informed that the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has waived registration fees for street food vendors from September 2024.
He said Food Safety Kohima Zone will soon organise a special camp to help street vendors register with FSSAI for five years at no cost, requiring only an Aadhaar card and passport photograph. Vendors must also be medically fit and secure a medical fitness certificate, he added. Wearing aprons and gloves to maintain hygiene and prevent food contamination was also stressed.
‘Make Kohima a model city for quality street food’
Kohima Municipal Council (KMC) Councillor Keneisezo Kera said that KMC prioritises public health, sanitation, and citizens’ well-being. “Our street food vendors are not just food sellers but local entrepreneurs, playing a vital role in the urban economy,” he said.
Kera stressed the need for vendors to serve safe and hygienic food and adopt proper waste management practices. “Together, let us strive to make Kohima a model city for clean, safe, and quality street food,” he added.
NASVI, Nestlé India assure support
Sangeeta Singh, Head of the street food programme, NASVI, said NASVI has partnered with Nestlé India to enhance the livelihoods and incomes of street food vendors across the country through such training initiatives. She assured all possible support and urged vendors to adhere to food safety standards.
Chiradeep Auddy, Senior Manager, Branch Corporate Affairs, Nestlé India Ltd, said, “Our commitment to safe food goes beyond the safety and quality of our own products. We are aware of the need for safety and hygiene in the broader ecosystem.”
He added that training street food vendors on food safety and hygiene not only ensures healthy food for consumers but also helps vendors sustain and improve their livelihoods. Nestlé India has been conducting such programmes in collaboration with NASVI and local food authorities since 2016. A similar training session was held in Dimapur on July 15.
