Srinagar, Aug 4: The Jammu and Kashmir Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has intensified its food safety enforcement across the Union Territory, collecting 152 food samples and inspecting 106 food business establishments during a special drive aimed at ensuring compliance with food safety standards.
According to officials, the inspections were carried out at restaurants, hotels, bakeries, sweet shops, food processing units and other food business establishments as part of an ongoing campaign to curb food adulteration and improve hygiene standards.
During the drive, FDA teams collected 152 food samples for laboratory analysis to verify their quality and safety. The samples will be tested for adulteration, contamination and compliance with the standards prescribed under the Food Safety and Standards Act.
Officials said several establishments were found violating food safety and hygiene norms. Notices were issued to the erring food business operators, directing them to rectify deficiencies and comply with the prescribed regulations within the stipulated timeframe.
The department said the enforcement drive is part of its sustained efforts to ensure that consumers have access to safe and hygienic food. It also urged food business operators to maintain cleanliness, follow proper food handling practices and adhere to licensing requirements.
The FDA appealed to the public to remain vigilant while purchasing food items and report any instances of food adulteration or unhygienic practices to the department for prompt action.
Officials added that such inspection drives will continue across Jammu and Kashmir to strengthen food safety enforcement and safeguard public health.
