SRINAGAR: The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), Jammu and Kashmir, conducted 140 inspections and collected 55 food samples for quality and safety testing during an enforcement drive across 12 districts, officials said.
The samples included milk and milk products, edible oils, spices and other food commodities, while enforcement teams also scrutinised food labels and inspected establishments involved in the sale and supply of food items.
As part of the action, the FDA issued 17 Improvement Notices to food business operators under Section 32 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Eleven cases were also compounded under Section 69 of the Act, attracting a cumulative penalty of Rs 11,000.
The enforcement teams scrutinised 97 food labels for compliance with prescribed labelling requirements. Two labels were found to be non-compliant with the applicable provisions, officials said.
In Reasi district, one food business registration was cancelled for violation of provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
The enforcement exercise covered food business establishments, e-commerce establishments dealing in food products, milk and milk products, edible oils, spices and imported food items. Food supplied through the Public Distribution System (PDS), Mid-Day Meal (MDM) and Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) channels was also brought under scrutiny.
The drive was conducted in Jammu, Doda, Kathua, Samba, Reasi, Udhampur, Srinagar, Anantnag, Kupwara, Bandipora, Ganderbal and Budgam districts.
The concerned Designated Officers and Food Safety Officers have been directed to continue inspections, sampling, label scrutiny and enforcement action against violations under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and rules and regulations framed under it.
The FDA has urged consumers to remain vigilant and report suspected cases of unsafe, adulterated or sub-standard food through the toll-free helpline 104 or by email at [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]).
