Srinagar: The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), Jammu and Kashmir, has issued an advisory to Food Business Operators (FBOs) regarding the safe procurement, storage, use and sale of milk and milk products, directing them to ensure quality compliance, traceability and consumer safety.
The advisory has been issued in view of the widespread consumption of milk products and their extensive use in hotels, restaurants, catering establishments, cafes, sweet shops, bakeries and other food outlets.
Commissioner, Food and Drugs Administration, J&K, Khalid Jahangir, said all Food Business Operators must strictly follow prescribed standards and safety norms while handling milk products to protect public health and ensure consumer welfare.
The advisory noted that in certain cases milk products, particularly Paneer, Ghee and Khoa/Mawa, were being procured, supplied or used without adequate disclosure of procurement sources, quality assurance mechanisms and traceability records.
The FDA stated that such practices could pose risks to public health and may mislead consumers regarding the quality and authenticity of food products being served.
All FBOs, especially hotels, restaurants, catering establishments, cafes, sweet shops, tea stalls, dhabas, itinerant vendors and other food outlets, have been advised to ensure compliance with key requirements related to procurement and traceability of milk products, notified standards, packaging and labelling, consumer information, menu disclosures and display of Food Safety Display Boards.
The advisory also reiterated that under the Food Safety and Standards Regulations, it is prohibited to sell or serve milk containing added water, curd not prepared from boiled, pasteurised or sterilised milk, skimmed milk as regular milk, or milk products containing substances not naturally present in milk except where specifically permitted under regulations.
The FDA emphasised that compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and regulations framed under it is mandatory for all stakeholders dealing with milk and milk products.
The Commissioner urged all concerned businesses to strictly adhere to food safety standards and departmental advisories issued from time to time.
He also appealed to consumers to remain vigilant, check labels and display boards carefully and report any concerns related to food quality or safety.
Consumers can register complaints through the toll-free number 104, email at cfsjandk.fnd@jk.gov.in, or through the FSSAI consumer grievance portal.
