Srinagar: The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), Jammu and Kashmir, has intensified food safety enforcement across the Union Territory, conducting 121 inspections of Food Business Operators (FBOs), including six dairy processing units.
According to the FDA, 70 food samples were collected during the inspections for laboratory analysis to verify compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and the rules framed thereunder.
As part of its surveillance programme, the department also collected 19 food samples from Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and Public Distribution System (PDS) centres to monitor food quality and safety. Additionally, eight imported food samples underwent label scrutiny to check compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Regulations.
During the enforcement drive, four Food Business Operators were penalised under Section 69 of the Food Safety and Standards Act for violations related to sanitation and hygiene, with a total fine of ₹4,000 imposed. Five improvement notices were also issued to FBOs for rectifying deficiencies detected during inspections.
The FDA advised consumers to remain vigilant while purchasing milk and milk products and urged them to report suspected cases of unsafe, adulterated or substandard food through its toll-free helpline 104 or via email at cfsjandk.fnd@jk.gov.in.
