Rs 35,000 fine imposed on erring food business operators by Food Safety Department
Srinagar, July 13 (KINS): As part of its ongoing efforts to ensure the availability of safe and hygienic food to consumers, the Department of Food Safety in Kashmir Division has launched a special inspection drive.
During the drive, enforcement officers from the Intelligence-cum-Legal Cell and respective districts inspected several paneer manufacturing units in Nowgam village of Pulwama district, as well as butchers and restaurants in Baramulla town.
Some of the food business operators were found violating sanitary and hygiene norms as mandated under the Food Safety and Standards Act. A total fine of Rs 35,000 was imposed on violators. Additionally, non-food grade utensils were destroyed on the spot, and erring operators were directed to maintain proper hygiene within their premises.
The department also strictly warned against the sale of stale or perished food items, stating that such acts will attract stern action under the law, including heavy penalties and imprisonment.
An awareness program for butchers was later conducted in Baramulla, where they were educated on Good Hygienic Practices (GHP) to be implemented at their workplaces.
Officials said the drive against unhygienic processing and sale of food will be intensified in the coming days.
Commissioner of Food and Drugs Administration, Smita Sethi, urged enforcement officers to remain vigilant and adopt a proactive approach to ensure the delivery of safe and wholesome food to the public.
Consumers can report complaints by dialing the toll-free number 104.
