GNS News Desk
Srinagar, Nov 6: The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), Jammu and Kashmir, has intensified its festive food safety enforcement and sampling drive across all districts ahead of Diwali to ensure availability of safe, hygienic and quality food products to consumers.
In a handout to GNS, the FDA said that during the two-day enforcement drive, the FDA conducted 276 inspections and lifted 132 food samples from various food establishments for laboratory analysis.
The enforcement action also resulted in compounding of 34 cases under Section 69 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, with a total fine of ₹39,000 realised. Additionally, 13 cases were recommended for legal action under Sections 56 and 58 of the Act for violations related to unhygienic and insanitary conditions in food processing and handling.
Furthermore, two food business licences were suspended for violating licence conditions, while 14 Improvement Notices were issued under Section 32 of the Act, directing concerned Food Business Operators (FBOs) to rectify identified deficiencies within the stipulated timeframe.
As part of the drive, around 800 kilograms of sweets were destroyed in Jammu and Kathua districts after being found processed under poor sanitary and unhygienic conditions. The estimated value of the destroyed sweets is ₹1.44 lakh.
The FDA has appealed to the general public to remain vigilant while purchasing food items during the festive season and to buy products only from licensed or registered food business operators.
Consumers have also been advised to check product labelling, manufacturing and expiry dates before purchasing packaged food items and report any suspected food adulteration or violation of food safety norms to the concerned authorities.
The FDA reiterated its commitment to ensuring food safety and maintaining strict enforcement against violations across Jammu and Kashmir during the festive season.(GNS)
