Jammu, Aug (JKNS): Continuing its ongoing special enforcement inspection drives in compliance with directions
from the Government, a team from the Drugs and Food Control Organization (DFCO), Jammu, conducted a major enforcement action at Pandita Mohalla, Gangyal, Jammu, on the basis credible inputs and unearthed a massive stockpile of unsafe and adulterated food products, notably; 21 Quintals of suspected synthetic paneer emitting a foul and putrid smell and 78 tins of expired mustard oil stored in insanitary conditions.
During the drive carried out by the Deputy Commissioner, Food Safety Jammu, Mr. Madan Mangotra and his team comprising the Food Safety Officers, it was found that the food items were found to be in violation of the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA), including breaches w.r.t storage under insanitary conditions, improper storage, labeling provisions and operating without a valid FSSAI License.
Notably, the raid was carried out with active support and inputs from the SHO Satwari, Officials from Jammu Municipal Corporation and
GRP Railway Police, making it as successful and precise operation. This enforcement raid marks another major success in the department’s ongoing campaign to crack down on food adulteration.
The drive was conducted under overall supervision of Commissioner, Food & Drugs Administration (FDA), J&K, Ms. Smita Sethi, who said that samples of the suspected synthetic paneer were also lifted on-site for laboratory analysis under FSSA norms.
The Commissioner further said that such violations, often found to surge during the summer season, pose an immediate threat to public health. She however, reaffirmed the department’s
zero-tolerance policy towards food adulteration and warned all Food Business Operators
(FBOs) to strictly adhere to safety norms.
The Commissioner revealed that the FBOs shall be booked under various provisions of the
FSSA for dealing in expired food items and legal action under FSS Act has been initiated.
She further added that these enforcement drives will continue rigorously across the UT of Jammu & Kashmir to curb the menace of food adulteration. However, given the significance of nature of the violations, the department has called on the general public to be vigilant and report any suspected cases of adulteration at departments Toll-Free Helpline for Consumer Complaints, 104, for speedy action.
Earlier, the department had issued advisories on unpermitted colours and storage and leabelling of meat and meat products, for information of the FBOs and stakeholders, the advisories also contained guidance on hygienic storage conditions, temperature control for
perishables, prohibition on the use of unpermitted food colors. (JKNS)
