SRINAGAR: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Jammu and Kashmir, conducted 348 inspections of food business operators across the Union Territory and lifted 180 food samples during a recent enforcement drive, officials said.
The samples, covering edible oils, ghee, milk and milk products, spices and other food items, have been sent to NABL-accredited laboratories for testing against prescribed safety and quality standards.
The inspections were carried out across various districts and covered establishments including hotels, restaurants and canteens as part of the administration’s food safety surveillance under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and its regulations.
Six Improvement Notices were issued to food business operators found deficient in meeting food safety requirements. The operators have been directed to submit compliance reports within the stipulated period, failing which further legal action will be initiated, officials said.
A total of 31 complaint cases were also initiated under Sections 56 and 58 of the Food Safety and Standards Act and filed before the respective district Adjudicating Officers, Additional Deputy Commissioners, over violations detected during inspections.
Besides, 17 cases were compounded under Section 69 of the Act, involving a cumulative fine of Rs 37,000. Two cases involving misbranding and labelling violations were dealt with under Section 52, resulting in a cumulative fine of Rs 55,000.
The FDA said food business operators are required to comply with statutory requirements relating to licensing and registration, hygiene and sanitation, food handling and processing, storage, labelling and other prescribed food safety standards.
Field enforcement authorities have been directed to continue regular inspections and sampling and take regulatory and penal action against violations under applicable law.
Consumers have been asked to report suspected unsafe or adulterated food products through the toll-free helpline 104 or by email at [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]).
