Srinagar, Sep 3: The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) Jammu and Kashmir has intensified enforcement against violations of food safety and labelling regulations, with action taken against food business operators in Kupwara and Budgam over alleged misbranding and misleading labelling of meat and meat products.
According to an FDA statement, a team headed by the Deputy Commissioner, Food Safety Kashmir, inspected several food establishments as part of an enforcement drive focused on compliance with prescribed labelling and disclosure requirements.
During the inspection of the Hospital Canteen in Kupwara, officials found alleged violations of food safety regulations, including failure to clearly declare the nature and type of meat being served to consumers. A show-cause notice was issued to the concerned Food Business Operator, following which a case was filed before the Adjudicating Officer, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Kupwara.
The FDA team also inspected the premises of Ishfaq Ahmad Sheikh, operating as M/s Paak Foods at Regipora, Kupwara, where officials detected alleged violations relating to prescribed labelling requirements. A notice was issued to the Food Business Operator, and the department said a complaint would be filed before the competent court in accordance with law under Sections 52 and 53 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
As the products in question were manufactured at M/s Paak Foods, Wahdatpora, Budgam, the manufacturing premises was subsequently inspected by the concerned Food Safety authorities.
During examination of the product labels, an item marketed as “Minced Kabab” was found to be allegedly misbranded and misleading, in violation of the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020.
Consequently, the FDA filed a complaint before the Adjudicating Officer, Budgam, against Amjad Ali Bhat, proprietor of M/s Paak Foods, Wahdatpora, under Sections 52 and 53 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Section 52 of the Act deals with penalties for misbranded food and provides for a penalty that may extend to Rs 3 lakh, while Section 53, concerning misleading advertisements, provides for a penalty of up to Rs 10 lakh.
The FDA J&K said it would continue to take regulatory action against misbranding, misleading labelling, misrepresentation of food articles and other violations of prescribed food safety requirements.
The department has directed its field officers to maintain strict surveillance and ensure prompt action against violations, stressing that the enforcement measures are aimed at safeguarding consumer interests and ensuring compliance with food safety and labelling standards across the Union Territory.
