SRINAGAR: In the backdrop of the recent seizure and destruction of 1,600 kg of frozen buffalo meat at Budgam Railway Station, Food & Drugs Administration (FDA), today, conducted special inspection drive of meat storage and processing units and other related FBOs located across various districts of the Union territory to verify compliances with prescribed food safety norms and regulatory requirements.
During the drive, 85 inspections of meat storage and processing units and other such FBOs located in different districts of Jammu and Kashmir were conducted. On the basis of violations and deficiencies observed during inspections, 16 Improvement Notices were issued to the concerned Food Business Operators (FBOs) under Section 32 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, directing them to rectify the identified deficiencies relating to hygiene and sanitation within the prescribed time.
Furthermore, 11 cases were recommended for initiation of proceedings under Section 56 of the Act for violations involving unhygienic and unsanitary practices in food processing and handling. Section 56 provides for a penalty extending up to ₹1 lakh for carrying out food processing or manufacturing under unhygienic or insanitary conditions. In addition, 4 cases were compounded under the relevant provisions of the Act, with a total fine of ₹4,000 imposed.
FDA directed all Food Business Operators engaged in the frozen meat and meat products to maintain proper sanitary and hygienic conditions, ensure prescribed temperature-controlled storage and transportation, preserve the cold chain throughout the supply chain and comply with labeling requirements prescribed under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the regulations framed there under.
Consumers are also urged to remain vigilant and report any instance of the sale or distribution of unsafe or adulterated food through the official email at [email protected].
