SRINAGAR: The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), Jammu and Kashmir, has stepped up enforcement measures against alleged misbranding and labelling violations in meat and meat products, officials said on Thursday.
During inspections conducted in Kashmir, a team led by the Deputy Commissioner Food Safety inspected several food establishments, including a hospital canteen in Kupwara. According to the FDA, the canteen was found violating food safety regulations and had not disclosed the nature or type of meat being served to consumers.
A show-cause notice was issued to the concerned Food Business Operator (FBO), and the case has been filed before the Adjudicating Officer (Additional Deputy Commissioner), Kupwara.
Officials said the team also inspected the premises of M/s Paak Foods at Regipora, Kupwara, where alleged violations of prescribed labelling requirements were detected. A notice was issued to the operator, and a complaint is being filed before the competent court under the relevant provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act.
Subsequent inspections were conducted at the manufacturing unit of M/s Paak Foods at Wahdatpora, Budgam. According to the FDA, product labels, including one marketed as “Minced Kabab”, were found to be in violation of the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020.
The administration said a complaint has been filed before the Adjudicating Officer, Budgam, against Amjad Ali Bhat, proprietor of M/s Paak Foods, under Sections 52 and 53 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Under Section 52, misbranding of food can attract a penalty of up to ₹3 lakh, while Section 53, relating to misleading advertisements, provides for a penalty of up to ₹10 lakh.
The FDA said enforcement teams have been directed to maintain surveillance and take regulatory action against violations of food safety and labelling norms across Jammu and Kashmir.
