Srinagar: The Food Safety Wing of the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), Jammu and Kashmir, has intensified inspections in tourist destinations, collecting 44 food samples and penalising 12 food business operators during a special enforcement drive in Srinagar and Gulmarg.
According to the FDA, 63 food establishments were inspected during the drive to verify compliance with food safety and hygiene standards.
Officials collected 44 samples of ghee, edible oils, honey, spices and other food products, which have been sent to NABL-accredited laboratories for quality and safety testing.
During the inspections, officials detected deficiencies related to hygiene and sanitary practices at several establishments.
The FDA said 12 food business operators were compounded under Section 69 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, for minor violations and a cumulative fine of ₹17,000 was imposed.
The department said enforcement authorities have been directed to continue intensified surveillance and inspection drives, particularly in tourist destinations and other high-footfall areas.
Consumers have been advised to report suspected unsafe or substandard food products through the FDA’s toll-free helpline 104 or by emailing cfsjandk.fnd@jk.gov.in.