BUDGAM: A meeting of the District Level Advisory Committee (DLAC) on Food Safety was convened today under the chairmanship of the Deputy Commissioner Budgam, Dr. Bilal Mohi-ud-Din Bhat.
The meeting was called to review the overall status of food safety enforcement and hygiene standards across the district.
During the meeting, a detailed presentation on the functioning and implementation of food safety measures was delivered by the Assistant Commissioner Food Safety, Budgam, Yameen Ul Nabi wherein the current regulatory framework, inspection mechanisms, and compliance levels were apprised to the Chair.
The DC emphasised that strict adherence to food safety norms must be ensured at all levels and that public health protection should remain the foremost priority of the administration. He underscored that regular and surprise inspections of food establishments and street food vendors shall be intensified to ensure the quality and safety of food being served to the public.
Directions were issued that all street food vendors must be mandatorily registered under the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act, and compliance in this regard shall be monitored closely.
The DC stressed that unregistered vendors shall be sensitized and proceeded against as per norms, wherever required. It was stressed that evening inspections shall be conducted by Food Safety Officers across all zones of the district and shall particularly focus on fast food outlets, barbeque units, and food being prepared and sold during late hours, so that any compromise on hygiene and quality is promptly detected and addressed.
The DC also directed that samples of fish and chicken shall be collected from the main markets of all blocks in Budgam within a stipulated timeframe and sent for analytical testing to ascertain quality standards. It was emphasized that timely sampling, testing, and follow-up action must be ensured without delay.
The DC impressed upon all concerned departments to maintain close inter-departmental coordination and ensure effective implementation of food safety regulations in letter and spirit. It was reiterated that any lapse compromising public health shall be viewed seriously.
Among others, PO ICDS Budgam, GM DIC, CPO Budgam, ASP Budgam, CEO, CMO, CAO, other AC Food safety Budgam and other concerned officials attended the meeting.