SRINAGAR: In a significant step aimed at safeguarding public health and ensuring the availability of safe and quality food products, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, today, chaired an inter-departmental coordination meeting to review the comprehensive action plan on food safety across the Union Territory.
The review comes in the backdrop of recent seizures of substandard meat and dairy products in different parts of the UT, raising serious concerns over food adulteration and public safety.
The meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary, FCS&CA; Commissioner Secretary, H&UDD; Secretary, H&ME; Divisional Commissioner, Jammu/Kashmir; Secretary, Law; Commissioner, FSD; Director, FCS&CA, Jammu/Kashmir; DG, Budget; Director Health, Jammu/Kashmir besides other senior officers.
During the deliberations, the Chief Secretary directed the Food and Civil Supplies Department to take stringent action against unlabelled and non-standard packaged food items, particularly imported products that fail to specify ingredients and product details, terming such practices as blatant violations of law.
He took a detailed appraisal of the action plan prepared by the Food Safety Wing in collaboration with key departments, including Housing & Urban Development, Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, and District Administration. The plan lays out both immediate and long-term measures to eradicate the entry of substandard food items into J&K and ensure strict compliance with food safety norms.
Key features of the Action Plan, as laid out by the Commissioner, DFCO constitutes formation of joint inspection teams and flying squads for surprise checks, particularly targeting high-risk sectors such as meat, milk, and bakery products. It also envisages accomplishing district-wise mapping of food businesses, including primary producers, processors, and vendors, to enable targeted inspections.
One more feature of this robust action plan is the strengthening of infrastructure & surveillance. It involves the establishment of checkpoints and cold-chain facilities at toll plazas, entry points, and major transport routes for high-risk food consignments. Besides, strict monitoring of consignments from outside states to prevent the import of substandard products.
It also encompasses addressing the deficit of nearly 257.5 lakh kg of meat through regulated and safe supply mechanisms and development of modern slaughterhouses with frozen storage facilities for scientific meat processing and distribution.
Another pillar of the strategy is the enforcement of mandatory sanitary and hygiene practices at meat shops and other food hubs and the deployment of qualified veterinary officers for routine inspections.
Launch of mass awareness campaigns in collaboration with NGOs, SHGs, and cooperatives to educate citizens on food safety and hygiene. Additionally, initiatives to encourage public reporting of food adulteration and related malpractices would also be encouraged.
Monthly meetings of District-Level Advisory Committees (DLACs), comprising officials from multiple departments, are held to review progress and address challenges.
Food Safety Wing to lead licensing, inspections, and traceability, while Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Departments promote good agricultural and veterinary practices. District Administrations will expedite legal proceedings against violators.
Chief Secretary Dulloo emphasized that effective inter-departmental coordination will be the cornerstone of this initiative. He directed all concerned departments to work in close synergy to ensure that only safe, hygienic, and quality food reaches the markets.
This comprehensive strategy is not just about regulation but also about building awareness, accountability, and trust. This comprehensive action plan is a comprehensive initiative to protect public health and ensure the availability of safe and quality food for all. The administration urges all citizens and food business operators to support this initiative for the collective well-being of the Union Territory.
