FDA J&K Continues Enforcement against High-Risk Food Commodities; 149 Inspections Conducted and 129 Food Samples Collected

Srinagar : FDA, J&K has continued its enforcement and surveillance activities to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, with a special focus on high-risk food commodities, particularly meat and meat products and sweets. During the enforcement drive, 149 inspections were conducted across the districts of Jammu, Samba, Reasi, Udhampur, Rajouri, Kathua, Kishtwar, Anantnag, Kulgam, Pulwama, Srinagar, Budgam, Ganderbal, Baramulla and Kupwara. A total of 129 food samples were collected for laboratory analysis, comprising 77 samples of prepared foods, including meat and meat products, 40 samples of sweets, and 12 surveillance samples of nutrition items served at ICDS Centres, to assess their conformity with the prescribed food safety and quality standards.

Further, eight Food Business Operators (FBOs) were found violating the hygiene and sanitary requirements prescribed under Schedule IV of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011. The violations were compounded under Section 69 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and a penalty of ₹11,500 was imposed.

The defaulting Food Business Operators were directed to immediately rectify the deficiencies and ensure strict compliance with the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the regulations framed thereunder by maintaining the prescribed standards of hygiene, sanitation, food handling, storage and processing.

The FDA, J&K has reiterated that enforcement and surveillance activities will continue across the Union Territory, with particular emphasis on high-risk food categories, to ensure that safe, wholesome and quality food is made available to consumers.

Consumers are requested to report suspected cases of unsafe or adulterated food through the Toll-Free Helpline No. 104 or by email at cfsjandk.fnd@jk.gov.in.