Srinagar, July 13: Food Safety Wing of the Food & Drugs Administration (FDA), J&K, has intensified enforcement and surveillance activities in major tourist destinations of Pahalgam, Sonamarg and Srinagar to ensure availability of safe, hygienic and quality food for tourists and the general public.

During the enforcement drive, teams of Food Safety Officers inspected 56 hotels, restaurants and other food establishments to assess compliance with the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, including hygiene and sanitation practices, food handling, storage conditions and other statutory requirements.
As part of the drive, 31 enforcement samples including 20 from Pahalgam, five from Sonamarg and six from Srinagar of various food articles were lifted and sent to NABL-accredited Food Testing Laboratories for analysis of prescribed safety and quality parameters. During inspections, violations related to unhygienic and insanitary conditions were detected, following which two cases were initiated under Section 56 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Further, a penalty of ₹10,500 was imposed and recovered from three Food Business Operators for violation of hygiene and sanitation requirements.
The Food & Drugs Administration under the overall supervision of the Health & Medical Education Department shall continue its efforts to enforce compliance with the regulatory norms and ensure availability of safe and wholesome food in food establishments, especially in tourist areas witnessing heavy footfall. It was further informed that regular enforcement inspections and surveillance drives shall continue across the Union Territory to safeguard human health and curb malpractices on the part of some unscrupulous Food Business Operators (FBOs).
The FDA appeals to consumers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious or unsafe food product through Toll-Free Helpline No. 104 or email at cfsjandk.fnd@jk.gov.in.