REASI: Deputy Commissioner Reasi Kumar Abhishek today chaired a meeting of the District Level Advisory Committee to review the implementation of the Food Safety and Standards Act and assess the food safety enforcement mechanism in the district.
Designated Officer Food Safety briefed the meeting on enforcement activities, food sampling, licensing and registration of food business operators, besides awareness and training initiatives undertaken across the district.
The Deputy Commissioner stressed the need for regular inspections and effective enforcement of prescribed food safety standards to safeguard public health. He called for greater awareness among food business operators regarding safe food handling, personal hygiene and proper disposal of waste.
Emphasizing the importance of consumer awareness, the DC directed the concerned departments to intensify awareness and training programmes on food safety, hygiene and safe food practices. He also stressed strict compliance with the Food and Drug Administration’s provision prohibiting junk food stalls within 50 metres of schools.
The Deputy Commissioner further called for wider use of Information, Education and Communication (IEC) material in hospitals, schools and other public places to promote awareness about food safety, healthy eating habits and consumer rights.
He underlined the importance of FoSTaC training for ICDS functionaries, ASHA workers and teachers associated with Mid-Day Meals to strengthen food safety practices at the grassroots level.
General Manager, District Industries Centre, Navdeep Wazir; Chief Medical Officer, Reasi; Deputy Superintendent of Police (Headquarters); Food Safety Officer (Headquarters) and other concerned officers were present in the meeting.
