Srinagar, Nov 06: In view of the forthcoming Diwali festivities, the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), Jammu & Kashmir, has intensified its festive enforcement-cum-sampling drive across all districts to ensure the availability of safe, hygienic and quality food products to consumers.
During the two-day enforcement drive, 276 inspections were conducted and 132 food samples were lifted from various food establishments for analysis. The enforcement activities also resulted in the compounding of 34 cases under Section 69 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, with a total fine of ₹39,000 realised.
Furthermore, 13 cases were recommended for legal action under Sections 56 and 58 of the Act for violations relating to unhygienic and insanitary conditions in food processing and handling. Section 56 of the Act provides for a penalty extending up to ₹1 lakh for carrying out food processing or manufacturing under unhygienic or insanitary conditions, while Section 58 provides for a penalty extending up to ₹2 lakh for contraventions for which no specific penalty has been separately provided under the Act.
In addition, two food business licences were suspended for violations of the conditions of licence. Further, 14 Improvement Notices were issued under Section 32 of the Act, directing the concerned Food Business Operators (FBOs) to rectify the identified deficiencies within the stipulated period and ensure compliance with the prescribed food safety and hygiene requirements.
As part of the enforcement action, 800 kg of sweets were destroyed in Jammu and Kathua districts after being found processed under poor sanitary and unhygienic conditions. The estimated value of the destroyed sweets amounts to ₹1,44,000.
The FDA, J&K, has appealed to the general public to remain vigilant while purchasing food articles during the festive season and to procure food products only from licensed or registered Food Business Operators. Consumers are also advised to check the labelling, manufacturing and expiry dates of packaged food products and report any suspected instance of food adulteration or violation of food safety norms to the concerned authorities.
