FDA Seizes Expired Food Items at NIFT Budgam Campus

Srinagar, Sep 12: The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), J&K has taken action against M/s Salasar Food Services operating at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) campus in Budgam for violating food safety, hygiene and sanitation standards.

The action followed a follow-up inspection conducted on September 11, 2026 by Food Safety Officers under the supervision of the Designated Officer, Food Safety, Budgam.

During the inspection, officials detected several violations, including the presence and use of expired food products. The inspection team found expired White Cheese Dressing and Fresh Paneer being used for food preparation. Synthetic food colour, “Arun Orange Red”, was also found on the premises.

The FDA said other deficiencies included dustbins without proper lids, non-compliance with the RUCO (Repurpose Used Cooking Oil) protocol, absence of an RO water purification system with UV treatment and inadequate protective clothing for food handlers.

The inspection team also found the use of aluminium utensils and equipment that did not conform to prescribed food-contact requirements.

Taking cognizance of the violations, the Designated Officer, Food Safety, Budgam issued a Show Cause Notice to the Food Business Operator.

Further proceedings will be initiated under the relevant provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the rules and regulations framed under it.

Under Section 56 of the FSS Act, preparation or handling of food under insanitary or unhygienic conditions can attract a penalty of up to Rs 1 lakh. Action under Section 58 may also be taken for other contraventions, including those involving expired food articles, with penalties that may extend to Rs 2 lakh.

FDA J&K has directed all Food Business Operators to strictly comply with prescribed food safety and hygiene standards and ensure that only safe, wholesome and hygienically prepared food is served to consumers.

The department has also advised FBOs to ensure proper labelling and storage of food products, remove expired items immediately and use only food-grade utensils and equipment for food preparation and storage.

FDA J&K further stressed strict compliance with the RUCO protocol for the collection, handling and disposal of used cooking oil through authorised or empanelled agencies, while cautioning FBOs against unauthorised reuse of used cooking oil.