Anantnag: The Food Safety Department on Sunday inspected langars at the Nunwan Base Camp in Pahalgam to review food safety and hygiene arrangements for pilgrims undertaking the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra.
According to an official statement, the inspection was conducted under the directions of the Commissioner, Food and Drugs Administration, Jammu and Kashmir.
The Food Safety team inspected food preparation areas, hygiene and sanitation practices, the quality and source of raw materials, storage facilities, availability of potable drinking water, personal hygiene of food handlers and the use of food-grade utensils and equipment.
During the drive, officials distributed face masks, head covers and gloves among langar workers and advised them to use the protective gear while preparing and serving food to minimise the risk of contamination.
The team also sensitised langar management committees and food handlers about maintaining prescribed food safety and hygiene standards throughout the pilgrimage.
The statement said two Mobile Food Testing Vans have been deployed across Anantnag district for on-the-spot testing of food being served to pilgrims to ensure its quality and safety.
The department said inspections and surveillance would continue throughout the pilgrimage to ensure compliance with food safety regulations and safeguard the health of devotees.
It also appealed to langar organisers and food handlers to maintain high standards of hygiene and sanitation to facilitate the safe conduct of the annual pilgrimage.
