SRINAGAR: The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) Jammu and Kashmir has inspected 229 hotels and restaurants across the Union Territory as part of a food safety enforcement drive, officials said on Wednesday.
During the inspections, officials collected 124 food samples, including milk and milk products, spices, edible oils and prepared food items, and sent them to National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL)-accredited laboratories for analysis.
According to the FDA, violations of prescribed hygiene and sanitation standards were detected in several food establishments. Consequently, 38 improvement notices were issued to food business operators, directing them to rectify deficiencies and comply with food safety regulations.
Officials said five cases were registered under Section 56 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, which provides for a penalty of up to ₹1 lakh. Additionally, 29 cases were compounded under Section 69 of the Act, with fines totalling ₹50,000 imposed.
The FDA has directed designated officers and food safety officers to continue inspections and sampling of hotels, restaurants and other food establishments and take action against violations in accordance with the Food Safety and Standards Act and related regulations.
Food business operators have been advised to ensure compliance with prescribed standards relating to food safety, hygiene, sanitation, storage, handling and preparation of food, officials said.
The FDA has also asked consumers to report suspected unsafe or adulterated food products through its toll-free helpline 104 or via email at cfsjandk.fnd@jk.gov.in.
