SRINAGAR: The Commissioner Food and Drug Administration, Jammu and Kashmir, has issued a public notice mandating strict compliance with FSSAI guidelines for all businesses dealing with frozen raw meat, chicken, and meat products.
The directive aims to safeguard public health and ensure the highest standards of food safety across the region.
The notice applies to a wide range of Food Business Operators (FBOs), including manufacturers, processors, wholesalers, retailers, cold storage operators, transporters, and e-commerce platforms.
The public notice strictly prohibits the sale of packaged food products that lack proper and complete label declarations. It defines fresh meat, chilled meat, and frozen meat based on their storage temperatures and conditions.
It specifies that frozen meat and meat products must be stored and transported at a temperature of -18°C or below at all stages, from production to the point of sale. Short-term chilled storage at 4°C is permissible for a maximum of two to four days before consumption.
The notice further reads that all establishments must be equipped with calibrated temperature monitoring devices and maintain accurate records for inspections.
The notice warns that non-compliance will result in strict enforcement action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. This includes the seizure of non-compliant stock and monetary penalties.
The penalties can be as high as Rs 5 lakh for sub-standard products, Rs 3 lakh for misbranded products or missing label declarations, and Rs 10 lakh for operating without an FSSAI licence. The notice also clarifies that offences involving unsafe food are punishable with imprisonment for up to six years, along with a fine of up to Rs 5 lakh.
FBOs are required to immediately upgrade their operations, ensure full compliance, maintain updated records, and remove non-compliant products from their outlets and online platforms. The notice states that failure to comply will result in swift legal action without any further notice.
In recent weeks, food safety departments have been carrying out inspections of food items, including meat and chicken. A rotten meat scandal was unearthed in which 12,000 kg of sub-standard meat was destroyed. (JKNS)
