FDA conducts 229 Food Safety Inspections of Hotels, Restaurants, 124 Food Samples Lifted, 38 improvement notices issued

SRINAGAR: The Food & Drugs Administration (FDA), J&K, conducted food safety inspections of hotels and restaurants across the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir to assess compliance with the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and the regulations made thereunder.

A total of 229 hotels and restaurants were inspected, during which 124 food samples of various commodities, including milk and milk products, spices, edible oils and prepared food, were lifted and forwarded to NABL-accredited laboratories for analysis.

During the inspections, violations of the prescribed sanitary and hygienic requirements were observed in certain food establishments. Accordingly, 38 Improvement Notices were issued to the concerned Food Business Operators (FBOs), directing them to undertake necessary corrective measures and ensure compliance with the prescribed food safety requirements.

Further, five cases were filed under Section 56 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, which provides for a penalty of up to ₹1 lakh. In addition, 29 cases were compounded under Section 69 of the Act, with a total fine of ₹50,000 imposed.

The Designated Officers and Food Safety Officers have been directed to continue inspections and sampling of hotels, restaurants and other food establishments in their respective jurisdictions and to take appropriate action against violations in accordance with the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and the regulations made thereunder.

Food Business Operators have been advised to ensure compliance with the prescribed requirements relating to food safety, sanitation and hygiene, storage, handling and preparation of food. Any violation shall be dealt with in accordance with the applicable provisions of law. Consumers are requested to report any suspected unsafe or adulterated food product through Toll-Free Helpline No. 104 or email at cfsjandk.fnd@jk.gov.in