Srinagar, Nov 6: The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), Jammu and Kashmir, has stepped up inspections and enforcement measures across the Union Territory ahead of Diwali to ensure the availability of safe and hygienic food products during the festive season.
During a two-day special drive, the department inspected 276 food establishments and collected 132 samples for laboratory testing, officials said.
The campaign also led to the settlement of 34 cases under Section 69 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, with fines amounting to Rs 39,000 imposed on violators. Additionally, 13 cases were recommended for legal proceedings under Sections 56 and 58 of the Act over violations involving unhygienic conditions in food preparation and handling.
The FDA also suspended two food business licences for non-compliance with prescribed conditions and served 14 Improvement Notices under Section 32, directing the concerned food business operators to address the identified shortcomings within the specified period.
In a major enforcement action, approximately 800 kilograms of sweets were destroyed in Jammu and Kathua districts after they were found to have been prepared in unsanitary conditions. The estimated market value of the destroyed products was Rs 1.44 lakh.
The department has urged consumers to exercise caution while purchasing festive food items and prefer licensed or registered establishments. Buyers have also been advised to verify product labels, manufacturing details and expiry dates before purchasing packaged goods.
Consumers have further been encouraged to report suspected adulteration and other food safety violations to the concerned authorities.
The FDA said enforcement and monitoring activities would continue across Jammu and Kashmir to prevent food safety violations during the festive period.
