Srinagar, Sept 24 (JKNS): The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), J&K has intensified food safety inspections across canteens, messes and other food premises operating in universities, medical and engineering colleges, hospitals, JNV schools and Gujjar & Bakerwal hostels across the Union Territory.
In a special inspection drive, as per news agency JKNS, FDA, J&K has conducted food safety inspections of canteens, messes and other food premises operating in Universities, Medical Colleges, Engineering Colleges, Hospitals, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs), and Gujjar & Bakerwal Hostels across all the districts to ensure the availability of safe, hygienic and wholesome food to students, patients, attendants and staff.
During the drive, 108 premises were inspected and 62 food samples were lifted for testing through NABL-accredited food testing laboratories.
The inspections focused on FSSAI registration/licensing, hygiene and sanitation, medical fitness of food handlers, availability of potable water, safe storage and handling of food, pest control, waste management and the use of food-grade materials.
The inspections revealed various deficiencies, including operation without valid FSSAI registration/license, inadequate pest control, deficiencies in the medical fitness of food handlers, improper storage and handling of food, structural and sanitation deficiencies, and use of non-food-grade materials.
24 premises were found operating without the requisite FSSAI registration/license. Action under section 55, 58 and 63 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 has been initialed against all such premises.
As part of the enforcement action, 15 cases were compounded under Section 69 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, with a total fine of ₹35,000. Further, three cases were recommended for penal action under Sections 56 and 58 of the Act for violations requiring further legal action.
Section 56 provides for penalty for carrying out food processing or manufacturing under insanitary or unhygienic conditions, with the penalty extending up to ₹1 lakh, while Section 58 provides penalty up to ₹2 lakh.
The concerned Food Safety Officers have been directed to conduct follow-up inspections and ensure compliance with the notices and directions issued.
FDA, J&K reiterated that food safety in educational and healthcare institutions remains a priority and that inspection, sampling and enforcement activities will continue across the Union Territory to ensure compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and the regulations made thereunder and to safeguard public health.
Consumers are requested to report any suspected unsafe or adulterated food product through Toll-Free Helpline No. 104 or email at [email protected] . (JKNS)
