Food Safety Department intensifies enforcement drive, 95 inspections conducted across Union Territory

• 48 food samples lifted for quality, safety and labelling compliance

SRINAGAR: Continuing its efforts to safeguard public health and enhance consumer confidence, the Food Safety Department, Jammu & Kashmir, has intensified its enforcement and surveillance activities across the Union Territory.

The organization is undertaking sustained inspections and enforcement sampling   to ensure that food available in the market is safe, wholesome, and compliant with the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

As part of the enforcement drive, 95 inspections were conducted across all districts of the Union Territory. During the inspections, 48 food samples were lifted for analysis to verify their quality, safety, and compliance with prescribed food safety standards. In addition, samples were collected for label scrutiny to ensure adherence to mandatory labelling requirements and to protect consumers from misleading claims and misbranded food products.

The food samples collected comprised of  Edible Oils, Spices, Honey, Cereal Products, Milk & Milk Products, Sugar, Sweets & Confectionery (SBC), and Prepared Foods. The analytical results of these samples will determine their conformity with the prescribed standards, and strict legal action shall be initiated against Food Business Operators found violating the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and the regulations framed thereunder.

The Organization also appealed to consumers to remain vigilant while purchasing food products by checking manufacturing and expiry dates, ensuring proper labelling, and purchasing only from licensed food business operators. Consumers have been requested to report any suspected unsafe or adulterated food product through Toll-Free Helpline No. 104 or email at cfsjandk.fnd@jk.gov.in.