FDA intensifies food safety checks ahead of Diwali in J&K
500 Kg of sweets destroyed, two licences and two registrations suspended
Jammu, Nov 4 (KINS): The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), Jammu and Kashmir, has intensified food safety inspections across Jammu Division ahead of Diwali, lifting 56 food samples and destroying approximately 500 kg of sweets found unfit for human consumption.
According to an official statement issued by the Commissioner, Food and Drugs Administration, J&K, the special festive enforcement and sampling drive was launched to ensure food safety, maintain prescribed quality standards and prevent food adulteration amid increased demand for sweets and other festive delicacies.
During the drive, food safety teams lifted 56 samples, including sweets, paneer, khoya, savouries and other food commodities from various food business establishments.
The department also destroyed approximately 500 kg of sweets, including Rasgulla, worth an estimated Rs 79,500, after finding them unfit for consumption.
The enforcement teams initiated legal proceedings against food business operators found violating provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, particularly the sanitary and hygienic requirements prescribed under Schedule IV of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011.
As part of the action, two food business licences and two registrations were suspended for violations of prescribed food safety requirements. Additionally, 11 challans were recommended under Section 56 of the Act, which provides for a penalty of up to Rs 1 lakh for unhygienic or unsanitary processing or manufacturing of food. Four cases were also compounded.
The special enforcement drive covered Jammu Municipal Limits, Jammu Rural, Samba, Kathua, Udhampur, Reasi, Ramban, Doda, Kishtwar, Rajouri and Poonch districts.
The teams focused on checking the quality and safety of sweets and other festive food items, ensuring hygienic conditions at food establishments and preventing the sale of adulterated or substandard food products.
The FDA reiterated its commitment to protecting public health and ensuring compliance with food safety standards. It advised food business operators to maintain proper hygiene, adhere to prescribed safety requirements and ensure that only safe and wholesome food is offered for sale.
Consumers have also been urged to purchase sweets and other food items from licensed establishments, check product labels and report suspected cases of food adulteration to the concerned Food Safety authorities.
The statement was issued by the Commissioner, Food and Drugs Administration, J&K, on November 4, 2026.
