Srinagar, Aug 19 (JKNS): Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), Shri Rajit Punhani, IAS, chaired an interactive session with representatives of Food Business Operators (FBOs), trade and industry associations and other stakeholders at the SKICC, Srinagar, to discuss issues relating to food safety, regulatory compliance, testing infrastructure, training and ease of doing business in Jammu & Kashmir.
The interaction was attended by Shri Devesh Kumar Mahla, IPS, Director, Northern Region, FSSAI; Shri Khalid Jahangir, JKAS, Commissioner, Food & Drugs Administration, J&K; Joint Commissioner Food Safety, Deputy Commissioners Food Safety, Jammu/Kashmir and other senior officers of the Department.
Representatives of Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Hotels and Restaurants Associations, Confederation of All India Traders, All Kashmir Houseboat Owners Association, Kashmir Bakers and Confectioners Association, Federation of Trade and Industry, Spices Industries Kashmir, besides other trade bodies and Food Business Operators, participated in the interaction and shared their concerns and suggestions regarding licensing, food testing, training, regulatory compliance and other matters concerning the food business sector.
The interaction also focused on licensing, registration, training and capacity building of Food Business Operators and other issues relating to food safety regulations. CEO, FSSAI encouraged FBOs to participate in FSSAI training programmes and comply with the prescribed food safety standards and regulatory requirements.
While appreciating the role of the FDA, J&K in streamlining the licensing and registration process and facilitating ease of doing business, representatives of various trade bodies informed that Food Business Operators are increasingly adopting the prescribed food safety and quality standards and working towards achieving conformity with the applicable requirements. They requested FDA, J&K, continue its supportive, facilitative and handholding approach, with greater emphasis on guidance and compliance, while taking necessary enforcement action wherever required. The participating associations and FBOs assured their full cooperation with FDA, J&K, and FSSAI in strengthening food safety compliance. They also appreciated the Department’s efforts in conducting training and awareness programmes and providing handholding support, particularly to hotels, restaurants and bakery establishments. The stakeholders stated that these initiatives have contributed to improved awareness and better compliance with food safety requirements.
The participants were also sensitized about the provisions relating to foods high in fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) in and around school premises and encouraged to promote healthier food choices. The CEO emphasized the importance of consumer awareness regarding food quality and responsible selection of food products.
FBOs and trade associations were advised to regularly follow the official digital platforms of FSSAI and FDA, J&K, for regulatory updates, advisories, guidelines and other information relating to food safety and compliance.
Commissioner, FDA, J&K, informed that the process for upgrading the testing capacity of the existing food laboratories has been initiated and to cover wider range of food commodities and testing parameters. The Department has set a target of expanding the testing capacity to cover 3,500 NABL parameters by March 2027 and 5,000 parameters thereafter, enabling comprehensive testing. Further around 10,000 Food Business Operators will be trained during current financial year through …
