Early Times Report
Srinagar, June 4: The state high court today ordered government to ensure complete ban on the use of antibiotics or any other harmful ingredients in any poultry farm in the state even as it directed Government to ensure regular inspection of bakers and bring all local bakers and 'kandur' under the ambit of the Food Safety and Standards Act.
"The concerned Administrative Departments are directed to have a constant check and monitor poultry farms, so that the poultry is reared in hygienic environment and ensure complete ban on the use of antibiotics like 'nalidixic acid and cirpofloxin' or any other harmful ingredients in any poultry," a division bench of acting Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice M K Hanjura said.
Hearing a Public Interest Litigation, the court also directed authorities to take samples in order to check the ingredients used by bakers and not to allow them to sell pastry, cakes and loose biscuits without manufacturing and expiry date.
"All the local bakers/kandur shall be brought under the ambit of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and their activities shall be checked," the court said and directed that sufficient steps shall be taken to ensure proper storage and sale for wholesome bakery/roti for human consumption.
As the proceedings of the case started, Advocate General Jahangir Iqbal Ganie submitted that the State was under an obligation to ensure the implementation of the provisions of Food Safety and Standards Act 2006.
In compliance of the court's order passed on May 30, the Commissioner of Food Safety was present in person. He submitted the suggestions and the difficulties faced by department in implementing the act. His suggestions were taken on record by the court.
Additional Advocate General, M. I. Dar submitted that the Chief Secretary, shall look into the suggestions and the difficulties being faced by the Commissioner, Food Safety for implementation of the Act and shall take adequate steps to redress the grievances submitted in the report.
"Besides that, the direction contained in order dated 28.02.2018 shall also positively be complied with by or before the next date of hearing, failing which, this Court shall be constrained to pass appropriate orders against the concerned respondents," the court said. |
