Srinagar, Aug 18 (JKNS): The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has directed hotels, restaurants, cafes, dhabas, sweet shops, bakeries, caterers and other Food Business Operators (FBOs) across Jammu and Kashmir to strictly comply with statutory food safety and consumer information requirements, including the prominent display of Food Safety Information Boards and clear disclosure of the specific type of meat used in food preparations.
The advisory issued by the FDA has stressed that the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, the Food Safety and Standards Rules, 2011, and the applicable regulations place a statutory responsibility on every Food Business Operator to ensure that food offered for sale is safe, properly represented and not misleading to consumers.
According to the advisory, restaurants are required to display a Food Safety Display Board at a prominent place within their establishments. The conditions governing food business licensing also require proprietors of hotels, restaurants and other food establishments selling or exposing food articles for sale to display information for intending purchasers.
The FDA has specifically directed food establishments to display separate lists of food articles prepared using ghee, edible oil, vanaspati and other edible fats, wherever applicable, so that consumers can make informed choices about the food they purchase and consume.
The advisory further states that every Food Business Operator selling cooked or prepared food must display a notice indicating the nature of the food articles exposed for sale.
Accordingly, all hotels, restaurants, cafes, dhabas, sweet shops, bakeries, caterers and other food establishments have been advised to ensure strict compliance with these requirements by displaying a Food Safety Information Board at a prominent and conspicuous location within their premises.
The board should also contain important information including the FSSAI licence number and customer care number, along with other prescribed food safety information.
Clear disclosure of meat type made mandatory
In a significant consumer transparency measure, the FDA has also directed Food Business Operators serving meat or meat products to clearly disclose the specific type of meat used in each food preparation.
The advisory states that establishments must clearly mention whether a preparation contains mutton, beef, chicken, fish or any other specific type of meat, as applicable.
The disclosure is required to be made on the menu card, Food Safety Information Board and display counter or menu display, wherever applicable.
The FDA has advised food businesses to avoid generic descriptions such as “Meat Curry”, “Meat Biryani”, “Meat Kebab” or simply “Non-Vegetarian” where such descriptions do not identify the actual type of meat being served.
The department has emphasised that the information provided to consumers must be accurate, legible, clearly visible and updated at all times.
The measure is aimed at improving transparency in the food service sector, preventing misleading representation of food products and enabling consumers to make informed decisions about what they eat.
Designated Officers and Food Safety Officers asked to verify compliance
The advisory has directed all Designated Officers and Food Safety Officers to disseminate the instructions among Food Business Operators falling under their respective jurisdictions.
The officers have also been asked to verify compliance with the requirements during inspections carried out under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
The FDA has made it clear that failure to comply with the applicable provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, Rules and Regulations may attract appropriate action in accordance with law.
The latest directions underline the department’s focus on strengthening food safety compliance, improving transparency in food businesses and safeguarding consumers against misleading or inadequate information regarding food products and ingredients. (JKNS)
