FDA intensifies food safety drive ahead of Raksha Bandhan, 120 inspections conducted; 51 food samples lifted across J&K

SRINAGAR: The Food & Drugs Administration (FDA), J&K, conducted a special food safety enforcement drive across the U T ahead of Raksha Bandhan, with particular focus on establishments dealing in sweets, bakery products and other high-risk food commodities.

The drive was conducted across Srinagar, Jammu, Budgam, Baramulla, Anantnag, Pulwama, Kathua, Samba, Udhampur, Rajouri and other districts of the Union Territory, covering food establishments dealing with festive and high-risk food commodities.

During the drive, 120 inspections were conducted and 51 food samples were lifted for testing of quality and safety parameters. 04 Improvement Notices were issued to Food Business Operators (FBOs) for deficiencies in prescribed hygiene and sanitary conditions.

Further, 09 cases were compounded under Section 69 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, involving a total penalty of ₹11,000/-, while 09 challans were also issued under the relevant provisions of the Act.

The enforcement activities covered major festive and high-risk food commodities, including sweets, bakery products, paneer, khoya, milk, ghee and spices. The special enforcement drive will continue in other areas of the Union Territory during the ongoing festive period, with intensified inspections, surveillance and sampling of food establishments and high-risk food commodities.

Food Business Operators have been advised to strictly comply with the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and the regulations made thereunder, maintain prescribed hygiene and sanitary standards, and ensure that only safe and quality food is offered for sale to consumers.

Consumers have been requested to remain vigilant and report any suspected case of unsafe, adulterated or sub-standard food through the Toll-Free Helpline No. 104 or by email at cfsjandk.fnd@jk.gov.in.