Srinagar, Oct 1: Continuing its food safety surveillance and enforcement activities, FDA, J&K conducted inspections in the last couple of days across the Union Territory to ensure compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and the regulations framed thereunder.

During the enforcement drive, Food Safety teams conducted 348 inspections of Food Business Operators (FBOs) across various districts and lifted 180 food samples covering major commodities, including edible oils, ghee, milk and milk products, spices and other food products. The samples have been forwarded to NABL-accredited food testing laboratories for analysis against the prescribed safety and quality parameters. The establishments inspected during this round of inspections belonged to various categories which included Hotels, Restaurants and canteens.
As part of the enforcement action, six Improvement Notices were issued to FBOs found deficient in complying with prescribed food safety requirements and the Food business operators have been directed to report compliance within the stipulated timeline failing which legal action as necessary shall be initiated.
Further, 31 complaint cases were initiated under Sections 56 and 58 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 against violations detected during inspections and filed before the Adjudicating Officers (Additional Deputy Commissioners) of the respective districts.
In addition, 17 cases were compounded under Section 69 of the FSSA, 2006, involving a cumulative fine of ₹37,000. Two cases were also dealt with under Section 52 in respect of misbranding and labelling-related violations, wherein a cumulative fine of ₹55,000 was imposed.
The FDA, J&K, reiterated that all Food Business Operators are required to strictly adhere to statutory requirements relating to licensing/registration, hygiene and sanitation, food handling and processing, storage, labelling and other prescribed food safety standards. The field enforcement authorities have been directed to maintain regular inspections and sampling and to initiate appropriate regulatory and penal action against violations in accordance with the applicable provisions of law.
Consumers have been requested to report any suspected unsafe or adulterated food product through Toll-Free Helpline No. 104 or email at cfsjandk.fnd@jk.gov.in