Acting on the directions of Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat, the Food Safety Department conducted an intensive market inspection across various parts of the city to ensure adherence to food safety and storage standards.
Led by Assistant Commissioner Food Safety, Yameen ul Nabi, along with Food Safety Officers and the Mobile Food Testing Van team, the inspection covered food establishments in Sanat Nagar, Bagh-i-Mehtab, Lal Nagar Chanapora, Housing Colony Chanapora, and other markets. The primary focus was on assessing compliance with proper storage practices, especially for high-risk food items such as packaged drinking water, carbonated beverages, milk, and dairy products.
During the drive, Food Business Operators (FBOs) were sensitized about the risks of improper storage, including exposure to direct sunlight, which can severely affect the quality and safety of perishable goods. FBOs were strictly directed to comply with the Food Safety and Standards Act, with officials warning that non-compliance would result in strict action.
The department urged all businesses to adopt safe food handling and storage practices, reinforcing its commitment to public health through routine and surprise inspections.
In a related initiative, DC Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat also convened a key meeting with stakeholders from various food industry associations, including the Bakery and Confectionery Association, Hotel and Restaurant Association, Fruit and Vegetable Street Vendors’ Association (Batamaloo), and the Butcher Association.
During the meeting, the DC emphasized the need for strict hygiene and quality control across all food sectors. He particularly highlighted the importance of producing fresh bakery items daily, urging producers to avoid early preparation that could compromise freshness and safety.
Reiterating that food safety is a top priority for the administration, Dr. Bhat called for collective responsibility and cooperation from all stakeholders to implement and uphold best practices for the well-being of consumers.