SRINAGAR, AUGUST 16 BANN: The Deputy Commissioner of Food Safety Kashmir reviewed the activities of enforcement officers for July 2024 during a meeting in her office today.
It was reported in the meeting that the Food Safety Wing of the Drugs and Food Control Organization, Kashmir, collected fines amounting to Rs 5.86 lakh from various Food Business Operators (FBOs) in accordance with the Food Safety & Standards Act of 2006, throughout July 2024. Additionally, 375 legal samples and 1003 surveillance samples were collected from markets across the Kashmir Division to test for quality and safety standards.
The department received 31 complaints related to food quality issues from different sources, all of which were resolved within 24 hours with appropriate action under the FSSA. A total of 173 FBOs were fined on the spot under Section 69 of the Act, resulting in Rs 1.73 lakh being collected and deposited into the government account.
Furthermore, adjudicating officers, who are Additional Deputy Commissioners from various districts in the Kashmir division, concluded 30 Food Safety cases and imposed a fine of Rs 4.13 lakh on FBOs found selling sub-standard or misbranded food items.
Additionally, 42 new complaint cases were filed in competent courts against various FBOs for violating provisions of the Food Safety & Standards Act of 2006.
The Deputy Commissioner of Food Safety Kashmir instructed all Food Safety Officers and Designated Officers to maintain strict oversight on the production and sale of sweets, dairy products, bakery items, and related goods, ensuring their sanitary and hygienic conditions are up to standard. She also emphasized the need for legal action against any violators under the applicable laws.
Meanwhile, Food Safety on Wheels (FSW)/Mobile Food Testing Vans have been deployed in all districts of Kashmir for on-the-spot testing of food items.
The department urged all stakeholders, including consumers, FBOs, and educational institutions, to actively participate in creating a safe food environment by utilizing the services of these Mobile Food Testing Vans. They were also encouraged to use the toll-free number to report any food quality concerns.BANN
