Srinagar, Sept 24: The Food & Drugs Administration (FDA), Jammu and Kashmir, has intensified food safety inspections at canteens, messes and other food establishments operating in universities, medical colleges, engineering colleges, hospitals, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs), and Gujjar and Bakerwal hostels across the Union Territory.
The special inspection drive was conducted to ensure that students, patients, attendants and institutional staff are provided safe, hygienic and wholesome food.
According to FDA official, a total of 108 premises were inspected, while 62 food samples were lifted and sent for testing through NABL-accredited food testing laboratories.
During the inspections, Food Safety Officers examined compliance with FSSAI registration and licensing requirements, hygiene and sanitation standards, medical fitness of food handlers, availability of potable water, safe storage and handling of food, pest-control measures, waste management and the use of food-grade materials.
The inspection teams detected several deficiencies, including operation without valid FSSAI registration or licence, inadequate pest-control arrangements, shortcomings concerning the medical fitness of food handlers, improper storage and handling of food, structural and sanitation deficiencies, and the use of non-food-grade materials.
The FDA official stated that 24 premises were found operating without the requisite FSSAI registration or licence. Proceedings under Sections 55, 58 and 63 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, have been initiated against the concerned establishments.
As part of the enforcement measures, 15 cases were compounded under Section 69 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, with a total fine of ₹35,000. In addition, three cases were recommended for penal action under Sections 56 and 58 of the Act for violations requiring further legal proceedings.
Section 56 provides for penalties for carrying out food processing or manufacturing under insanitary or unhygienic conditions, with the penalty extending up to ₹1 lakh, while Section 58 provides for a penalty of up to ₹2 lakh.
The Food Safety Officers have been directed to conduct follow-up inspections and ensure compliance with the improvement notices and directions issued to the establishments.
The FDA, J&K, reiterated that food safety in educational and healthcare institutions remains a priority and said inspection, sampling and enforcement activities would continue across the Union Territory to ensure compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the regulations framed under it.
The department said the ongoing measures are aimed at safeguarding public health and ensuring that food served in educational and healthcare institutions meets prescribed safety and hygiene standards.
The FDA has also urged consumers to report suspected cases of unsafe or adulterated food through the toll-free helpline 104 or by email at cfsjandk.fnd@jk.gov.in.