Srinagar: Commissioner of Food and Drugs Administration Jammu and Kashmir, Khalid Jahangir, on Thursday reviewed enforcement measures and directed officials to strengthen public health vigilance ahead of upcoming Eid festivities and Moharram.
The directions were issued during an introductory meeting with senior officers and field functionaries of the Drug and Food Wing held at the Combined Drug and Food Laboratory in Srinagar after he assumed charge as Commissioner.
During the meeting, Khalid Jahangir stressed the importance of the department’s role in safeguarding public health and ensuring availability of safe food and quality medicines to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
He directed field officers to remain visible, accessible and proactive while discharging duties under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.
The Commissioner instructed officials to strengthen surveillance and inspection mechanisms to ensure compliance by food business operators and pharmacy establishments with prescribed legal standards and regulatory requirements.
He also stressed that enforcement activities should be conducted in a fair, transparent and professional manner and called for coordinated teamwork among enforcement officers.
Referring to the growing menace of drug abuse, the Commissioner said the department should actively participate in the ongoing Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyan through awareness campaigns, public outreach and enforcement drives at the grassroots level.
Ahead of Eid and Moharram, he directed field staff to intensify market inspections, particularly focusing on food items widely consumed during the festive season.
The Commissioner asked enforcement teams to remain vigilant regarding food quality, hygiene, adulteration, storage and sale practices across markets in Jammu and Kashmir.
Reaffirming the department’s commitment towards public welfare, Khalid Jahangir urged officers and stakeholders to work collectively to strengthen the regulatory framework and ensure a healthier and safer society.
