SRINAGAR: The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), Jammu and Kashmir, has conducted 168 inspections and collected 146 samples of nutraceutical products across the Union Territory as part of an enforcement drive to assess compliance with food safety standards and labelling requirements.
The drive was launched following concerns over the quality of nutraceutical products, with 136 of the 328 samples collected during the preceding six months found to be non-conforming, a rate of 41.46 percent, the FDA said.
During the latest inspections, seven labelling violations were identified, and notices have been recommended under the applicable regulatory provisions. Further action will be taken in accordance with the findings and relevant food safety laws.
The samples collected during the drive will be tested for safety and quality parameters, while their statutory labelling declarations will also be scrutinised to determine whether the products comply with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the regulations framed under it.
The FDA said the fresh, intensive enforcement and sampling exercise had been initiated in view of the level of non-conformity recorded in earlier samples. The latest drive covers all districts of Jammu and Kashmir and is aimed at identifying violations and initiating appropriate regulatory action.
The administration has reiterated that nutraceutical products must meet prescribed standards and comply with mandatory labelling requirements and restrictions on product claims.
Food business operators involved in the manufacture, storage, distribution and sale of such products have been advised to adhere strictly to the applicable statutory provisions. The FDA said enforcement drives would continue to strengthen compliance and ensure that products available to consumers meet prescribed safety and quality standards.
