TAUSEEF AHMAD
SRINAGAR, Feb 20: In a decisive enforcement action aimed at curbing the circulation of unsafe and non-compliant food products, the Food Safety Enforcement Wing of the Drug and Food Control Organisation (DFCO) on Thursday seized approximately 725 kilograms of honey during a targeted inspection conducted in the Abanshah area of HMT on the outskirts of Srinagar.
The operation was carried out following specific intelligence inputs regarding the storage of food items in violation of statutory provisions. Acting swiftly on the information, a team of food safety officers conducted a focused inspection in the area. During the course of the inspection, officials discovered a substantial quantity of honey—amounting to nearly three-quarters of a metric tonne—stored without any of the mandatory labeling requirements prescribed under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSS Act).
Authorities revealed that the entire consignment was found in complete violation of labeling norms. The honey containers did not display the product name, nor did they mention the net quantity of the contents. There was no indication of the date of packing or manufacturing, and no best-before or expiry date was provided to establish the product’s shelf life. Additionally, the name and full address of the manufacturer or packer were missing, making it impossible to trace the source of the product. The mandatory FSSAI license number, which certifies that a food business operator is authorized to manufacture or distribute food items under regulatory oversight, was also absent. Storage instructions, where applicable, were not mentioned either.
Officials emphasized that such a complete absence of statutory declarations is a serious breach of the FSS Act and associated regulations. Labelling requirements are designed not only to ensure transparency but also to safeguard consumer health by enabling traceability, accountability, and informed decision-making. Without these critical details, consumers remain unaware of the origin, composition, and safety of the product they may purchase and consume.
In view of the gravity of the violation, the enforcement team immediately seized the entire stock of approximately 725 kilograms to prevent its distribution in the market. The seized honey has been taken into official custody in accordance with legal procedures. Samples were collected from the consignment on the spot and sent for analytical examination to determine the quality, purity, and compliance of the product with established food safety standards. The laboratory analysis will help ascertain whether the honey meets prescribed norms or poses any potential health risk.
Officials stated that further action will be initiated against the concerned Food Business Operator (FBO) under relevant provisions of the FSS Act based on the outcome of the laboratory report and the findings of the ongoing investigation. Violations of labeling and food safety norms may attract penalties, prosecution, and other legal consequences as stipulated under the Act.
Issuing a strict warning, the DFCO reiterated that unlabelled food products are illegal and pose serious risks to public health. The department underscored that every packaged food item must carry complete and accurate information, including the name of the product, net quantity, date of packing or manufacturing, use-by or expiry date, name and address of the manufacturer or packer, FSSAI license number, and relevant storage instructions. Failure to comply with these statutory requirements will invite stringent action.
The department also appealed to consumers to remain vigilant while purchasing packaged food items. Consumers were advised to carefully check for mandatory labeling details before buying any product and to avoid purchasing items that lack proper declarations. The public has been urged to immediately report any suspicious or unlabelled food products by calling the Food Safety Helpline at 104.
The seizure in the Abanshah area of HMT highlights the DFCO’s zero-tolerance policy toward unsafe and non-compliant food products circulating in Kashmir’s markets. Officials reaffirmed their commitment to intensifying inspections and enforcement drives to ensure that only safe, properly labeled, and legally compliant food items reach consumers across the region.
