Srinagar, May 18: The Food Safety Wing of the Jammu and Kashmir Drugs and Food Control Organization on Sunday launched a special inspection drive across hotels, canteens and government residential accommodations housing move employees in Srinagar to ensure the availability of safe and hygienic food.
The drive was conducted on the directions of the Commissioner, Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), J&K, with special teams comprising Food Safety Officers inspecting multiple establishments associated with the annual Darbar Move-related employee accommodations.
According to officials, inspection teams visited 14 establishments, including Government Residential Quarters at Sempora, Pampore, TRC Srinagar and several hotel accommodations hired by the Estates Department for lodging employees.
During the inspections, Food Business Operators (FBOs) were directed to strictly follow provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act and Regulations, particularly hygiene and sanitation norms prescribed under Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards Regulations.
Officials instructed operators to provide fresh and hygienic meals to employees and warned against the use of synthetic food colours or unsafe ingredients in cooked food. The inspection teams also sensitized food handlers about safe food handling practices, kitchen cleanliness, proper storage of raw materials and maintaining personal hygiene.
The Food Safety Department said the inspection drives would continue in the coming days across various locations to monitor compliance and enforce food safety regulations effectively.