Srinagar, Oct 10 (GNS): Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), J&K continued its special enforcement drive to ensure street food safety across the Union Territory, conducting 106 inspections in busy markets and high-footfall areas.
In a handout to GNS, FDA said During the drive, 18 cases were compounded and fines amounting to ₹20,000 were imposed. Further, six cases were recommended for adjudication under Sections 56 and 58 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, while 22 food samples were lifted for laboratory analysis.
Officials said inspection teams focused on personal hygiene, cleanliness of vending premises, safe food preparation and handling practices, and use of food-grade utensils and cutlery.
Vendors were also sensitized against use of newspapers for wrapping or serving food, unauthorized synthetic food colours and non-food-grade materials that may compromise food safety.
As part of the drive, the teams also promoted the Repurpose Used Cooking Oil (RUCO) initiative. Used cooking oil samples were tested on the spot using oil-testing meters to assess Total Polar Compounds (TPC). Vendors were sensitized that cooking oil exceeding the prescribed limit of 25% TPC must not be used for food preparation and should be channelled to authorised aggregators.
FDA, J&K reiterated that the ongoing drive is aimed at strengthening regulatory compliance, improving hygiene standards among street food vendors and safeguarding public health. All Food Business Operators have been directed to comply strictly with provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Consumers have been encouraged to report suspected food adulteration, unsafe food or unhygienic food-handling practices via email at cfsjandk.fnd@jk.gov.in.(GNS)
