Srinagar, May 18: The Food Safety Department Srinagar on Monday conducted an extensive inspection drive across several areas of the city and found multiple food business operators violating hygiene and storage regulations under the Food Safety and Standards Act, officials said.
The inspection drive was carried out in the Karanagar, Kanikadal, Fateh Kadal, Gojwara, and Hawal areas under the supervision of Assistant Commissioner Food Safety Srinagar Yameen-ul-Nabi.
During the inspections, officials found three bakery units violating the provisions of Schedule-4 of the Food Safety and Standards Act related to hygiene and sanitary requirements.
Authorities said prosecution proceedings under relevant provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Rules and Regulations would be initiated against the bakery units and the cases would be placed before the competent court of law.
The inspection team also observed that several retail shopkeepers and small wholesalers were exposing food items directly to sunlight and were not following prescribed storage conditions mentioned on product labels.
Officials warned that improper storage practices could adversely affect the quality and safety of food products, particularly during rising temperatures.
The department directed all Food Business Operators (FBOs) not to expose edible items to excessive sunlight and to ensure storage of products in cool and dry conditions strictly in accordance with label instructions.
Officials further instructed traders and food handlers to follow Good Storage Practices and maintain hygienic conditions as mandated under the Food Safety and Standards Act and related regulations.
The department warned that any future violation or non-compliance would invite strict legal action against defaulters.