SRINAGAR: Food Safety Wing of the Food & Drugs Administration (FDA), J&K, has intensified enforcement and surveillance activities in major tourist destinations of Pahalgam, Sonamarg and Srinagar to ensure availability of safe, hygienic and quality food for tourists and the general public.

During the enforcement drive, teams of Food Safety Officers inspected 56 hotels, restaurants and other food establishments to assess compliance with the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, including hygiene and sanitation practices, food handling, storage conditions and other statutory requirements.

As part of the drive, 31 enforcement samples including 20 from Pahalgam, five from Sonamarg and six from Srinagar of various food articles were lifted and sent to NABL-accredited Food Testing Laboratories for analysis of prescribed safety and quality parameters. During inspections, violations related to unhygienic and insanitary conditions were detected, following which two cases were initiated under Section 56 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.  Further, a penalty of ā‚¹10,500 was imposed and recovered from three Food Business Operators for violation of hygiene and sanitation requirements.

The Food & Drugs Administration under the overall supervision of the Health & Medical Education Department shall continue its efforts to enforce compliance with the regulatory norms and ensure availability of safe and wholesome food in food establishments, especially in tourist areas witnessing heavy footfall. It was further informed that regular enforcement inspections and surveillance drives shall continue across the Union Territory to safeguard human health and curb malpractices on the part of some unscrupulous Food Business Operators (FBOs). The FDA appeals to consumers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious or unsafe food product through Toll-Free Helpline No. 104 or email at cfsjandk.fnd@jk.gov.in.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). ā€œHis article, ā€˜When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.ā€.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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