Srinagar, Nov 6 (JKNS): Ahead of Diwali festivities, the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), Jammu and Kashmir, has intensified its food safety crackdown across all districts, conducting 276 inspections in a two-day enforcement drive, lifting 132 food samples for analysis and destroying 800 kilograms of sweets in Jammu and Kathua after finding them processed under unhygienic conditions.
The department has also suspended two food business licences and recommended legal action in 13 cases involving food safety violations.
As per news agency JKNS, In view of the forthcoming Diwali festivities,
the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), Jammu and Kashmir, has intensified
its festive enforcement-cum-sampling drive across all districts to ensure the
availability of safe, hygienic and quality food products to consumers.
During the two-day enforcement drive, 276 inspections were conducted and 132
food samples were lifted from various food establishments for
analysis.
The enforcement activities also resulted in the compounding of 34 cases under Section
69 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, with a total fine of ₹39,000
realised.
Furthermore, 13 cases were recommended for legal action under Sections
56 and 58 of the Act for violations relating to unhygienic and
insanitary conditions in food processing and handling. Section 56 of the Act
provides for a penalty extending up to ₹1 lakh for carrying out food processing
or manufacturing under unhygienic or insanitary conditions, while Section 58
provides for a penalty extending up to ₹2 lakh for contraventions for which no
specific penalty has been separately provided under the Act.
In addition, two food business licences were suspended for violations
of the conditions of licence.
Further, 14 Improvement Notices were issued
under Section 32 of the Act, directing the concerned Food
Business Operators (FBOs) to rectify the identified deficiencies within the
stipulated period and ensure compliance with the prescribed food safety and
hygiene requirements.
As part of the enforcement action, 800 kg of sweets were destroyed in
Jammu and Kathua districts after being found processed under
poor sanitary and unhygienic conditions. The estimated value of the destroyed
sweets amounts to ₹1,44,000.
The FDA, J&K, has appealed to the general
public to remain vigilant while purchasing food articles during the festive
season and to procure food products only from licensed or registered Food
Business Operators. Consumers are also advised to check the labelling,
manufacturing and expiry dates of packaged food products and report any
suspected instance of food adulteration or violation of food safety norms to
the concerned authorities. (JKNS)
