Srinagar, Sep 3: Food and Drugs Administration Jammu and Kashmir has intensified enforcement activities across Union Territory with special focus on compliance with prescribed labelling requirements for meat and meat products.
In a handout, FDA said that a team headed by Deputy Commissioner Food Safety Kashmir inspected various establishments. During inspection, Hospital Canteen Kupwara was found violating various provisions of food safety regulations and had failed to declare nature/type of meat being served to consumers. A show cause notice was issued to concerned FBO and case has been filed before Adjudicating Officer (Additional Deputy Commissioner) Kupwara.
Premises of Ishfaq Ahmad Sheikh M/s Paak Foods situated at Regipora Kupwara was also inspected where violations pertaining to prescribed labeling requirements were found. A notice was issued to concerned Food Business Operator and complaint will be filed before competent court in accordance with law in terms of section 52 and 53 of the Act.
As said products were manufactured at M/s Paak Foods Wahdatpora Budgam, the manufacturing premises was subsequently inspected by concerned Food Safety authorities.
On examination of product labels, “Minced Kabab” was found to be misbranded and misleading, in contravention of Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020.
Accordingly, a complaint under provisions of Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 has been filed before Adjudicating Officer Budgam against Amjad Ali Bhat, Proprietor M/s Paak Foods Wahdatpora Budgam under Sections 52 and 53 of the Act.
Under Section 52, misbranding of food is punishable with penalty which may extend to Rs 3 lakh, while Section 53 relating to misleading advertisements provides for penalty which may extend to Rs 10 lakh.
Food and Drugs Administration J&K reiterated that misbranding, misleading labelling, misrepresentation of food articles and violations of prescribed food safety requirements will be dealt with in accordance with law.
The field officers have been directed to maintain strict vigil and ensure prompt regulatory action against violations with objective of safeguarding consumer health and ensuring compliance with prescribed food safety standards across UT of Jammu and Kashmir.
