SRINAGAR: The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), Jammu and Kashmir, has intensified enforcement against food business operators for violations of prescribed labelling and food safety norms, with several establishments in Kupwara and Budgam facing regulatory action over meat and meat products.
During inspections carried out in Kupwara, a team headed by the Deputy Commissioner Food Safety, Kashmir, found violations at the Hospital Canteen, including failure to declare the nature or type of meat being served to consumers.
A show-cause notice was subsequently issued to the concerned food business operator, while the case has been filed before the Adjudicating Officer, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Kupwara.
The FDA team also inspected the premises of Ishfaq Ahmad Sheikh, proprietor of M/s Paak Foods at Regipora, Kupwara, where violations of prescribed labelling requirements were detected. A notice was issued to the food business operator, and a complaint is set to be filed before the competent court under Sections 52 and 53 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Following the inspection, authorities traced the products to the manufacturing unit of M/s Paak Foods at Wahdatpora in Budgam, which was subsequently inspected by the concerned Food Safety authorities.
During examination of the product labels, a product marketed as “Minced Kabab” was found to be misbranded and misleading, in violation of the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020.
The FDA has accordingly 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.
Under Section 52 of the Act, misbranding of food attracts a penalty that may extend to Rs 3 lakh, while Section 53, concerning misleading advertisements, provides for a penalty that may extend to Rs 10 lakh.
The FDA J&K said misbranding, misleading labelling, misrepresentation of food products and other violations of prescribed food safety requirements would be dealt with strictly in accordance with law.
Field officers have also been directed to maintain close vigil and initiate prompt regulatory action against violators to ensure compliance with food safety standards and safeguard consumer health across Jammu and Kashmir.
