SRINAGAR: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Jammu and Kashmir, has intensified inspections of canteens, messes and other food establishments operating in educational and healthcare institutions across the Union Territory to ensure the availability of safe and hygienic food.
During a special inspection drive, the FDA inspected 108 premises and lifted 62 food samples for testing at NABL-accredited food testing laboratories.
The inspections covered canteens and messes in universities, medical and engineering colleges, hospitals, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas and Gujjar and Bakerwal hostels across all districts.
The inspections focused on compliance with FSSAI registration and licensing requirements, hygiene and sanitation standards, medical fitness of food handlers, availability of potable water, safe storage and handling of food, pest control, waste management and the use of food-grade materials.
The drive found several deficiencies, including operation without valid FSSAI registration or licence, inadequate pest control, lapses in the medical fitness of food handlers, improper storage and handling of food, structural and sanitation deficiencies, and use of non-food-grade materials.
As many as 24 premises were found operating without the requisite FSSAI registration or licence. The FDA has initiated action against all such establishments under Sections 55, 58 and 63 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Further enforcement action resulted in 15 cases being compounded under Section 69, with a total fine of Rs 35,000. Three other cases were recommended for penal action under Sections 56 and 58 of the Act for violations requiring further legal proceedings.
The concerned Food Safety Officers have been directed to conduct follow-up inspections and ensure compliance with the notices and directions issued to the establishments.
The FDA said food safety in educational and healthcare institutions remains a priority and that inspection, sampling and enforcement activities would continue across Jammu and Kashmir to ensure compliance with food safety regulations and safeguard public health.
Consumers have been urged to report suspected cases of unsafe or adulterated food through the toll-free helpline 104 or by email at [email protected].
