SRINAGAR: The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), Jammu and Kashmir, has intensified its food safety enforcement drive across the Union Territory, conducting 121 inspections of Food Business Operators (FBOs) and collecting 89 food samples to ensure compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
According to a statement issued by the Office of the Commissioner, Food and Drugs Administration, the inspections were carried out across the districts of Jammu, Reasi, Samba, Rajouri, Kathua, Srinagar, Anantnag, Ganderbal, Bandipora, Kupwara, Baramulla and Budgam. The enforcement drive also covered six dairy processing units.
During the inspections, the FDA collected 70 statutory food samples for laboratory analysis, comprising Paneer (6), Ghee (4), Prepared Foods (5), Honey (2), Milk (21), Edible Oil (10), Ice Cream (2), Spices (15), and Cereal Products (5).
As part of its surveillance programme, the department also collected 19 surveillance samples from Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) centres and Public Distribution System (PDS) outlets to monitor the quality and safety of food supplied through government welfare schemes.
Additionally, eight imported food samples were subjected to label scrutiny to verify compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Regulations.
The FDA said four Food Business Operators were compounded under Section 69 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 for violations relating to sanitary and hygiene requirements. A total penalty of Rs 4,000 was imposed during the enforcement drive.
The department also issued five Improvement Notices to Food Business Operators directing them to rectify deficiencies detected during inspections.
The FDA advised consumers to remain vigilant while purchasing milk and milk products and urged them to report any suspected cases of unsafe, adulterated or substandard food through the toll-free helpline 104 or by email at [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]).
