Srinagar, Sept 22 (JKNS): The Food & Drugs Administration (FDA), J&K, has issued a prohibitory order banning the sale, storage, distribution and display of suspected fake milk products across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir after samples were found non-conforming to prescribed food safety standards.
As per the order issued by the Commissioner, Food & Drugs Administration, J&K, a copy of which lies with news agency JKNS stated that, the action has been taken under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the regulations framed thereunder, following laboratory examination of samples collected by Food Safety Officers from different locations.
The order states that the samples were subjected to analysis and certain discrepancies were detected in the products, including parameters relating to food safety and quality. The findings prompted the department to initiate regulatory action to prevent the affected products from reaching consumers.
The FDA has directed that the concerned products, including the affected batches identified in the order, shall not be sold, stored, distributed or displayed for sale anywhere within the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
The prohibitory action has been issued in exercise of powers under the relevant provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, along with the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restriction on Sales) Regulations, 2011 and other applicable regulations.
According to the order, the action follows analytical reports received in respect of samples collected from different locations. The laboratory findings were taken into consideration before directing immediate restrictions on the concerned food products.
The department has further directed all Food Business Operators (FBOs), manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers and other persons dealing in the affected food articles to immediately stop their sale, storage, distribution and display within J&K.
The concerned FBOs have also been directed to segregate the affected batches and keep the same under safe custody and shall not release, sell, transfer or otherwise deal with such stock except with the approval of the competent Food Safety Authority.
The order further directs all concerned FBOs to furnish the complete stock position of the affected batches, including batch number, quantity and date of manufacture/expiry, to the concerned Designated Officer within 48 hours of receipt of the order.
Food Safety Officers have been instructed to ensure immediate implementation of the order and conduct necessary follow-up inspections for identification and withdrawal of the affected products from the market.
The FDA has also warned that any person found violating the prohibitory order or dealing with the affected products in contravention of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and the regulations made thereunder shall be liable for action under the applicable provisions of law.
The concerned Enforcement Officers have been directed to maintain strict surveillance over the movement, storage and sale of the affected food articles and ensure their immediate withdrawal from the market and appropriate disposal as per prescribed procedure.
The order, issued on September 22, 2026, has been signed by Khalid Jahangir, IAS, Commissioner, Food & Drugs Administration, J&K. (JKNS)
