Intensive Food Safety Inspection Drive Targets Srinagar Eateries
Srinagar, Feb 08 (KINS): In a bid to tighten food safety standards, a team from the Drug and Food Control Organisation conducted a rigorous inspection drive across key areas of Srinagar, including Jehangir Chowk and the Hazratbal Speciality Health Services (HSHS) area.
In a statement to news agency KINS, the food safety department said that the operation, spearheaded by Assistant Commissioner of Food Safety, Yameen ul Nabi, focused primarily on roadside eateries and vendors selling traditional Kashmiri snacks.
“The crackdown aimed to ensure strict compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA), emphasizing sanitary conditions, hygiene, and safe food handling practices. Officials meticulously examined food stalls, assessing storage conditions, preparation methods, and the overall cleanliness of the vendors’ setups”.
During the inspection, vendors were educated on maintaining hygiene standards critical to public health.
They were explicitly instructed to safeguard prepared food from environmental contaminants and pests. “Vendors failing to meet these hygiene benchmarks will face immediate shutdowns under the FSS Act,” warned an official from the inspection team.
Food business operators, particularly those dealing in ready-to-eat items, were directed to implement pest control measures at their establishments. Additionally, they were cautioned against setting up stalls near open drains, a common practice that heightens the risk of food contamination. Non-compliance with these directives will result in punitive action under the relevant food safety regulations.
The department plans to continue such surprise inspections in the coming weeks, ensuring that food safety remains a top priority for all business operators in the region.(KINS)
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