 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Nov 30: The Jammu Division's Food Safety and Drugs Control Organization (DFCO), in a continued effort to curb food adulteration, conducted a series of inspections under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSS Act), 2006. The teams, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Food Safety Jammu, focused on ensuring food quality and consumer safety across the region. In a significant operation at Satawari Chowk, Jammu, 40 milk vendors were inspected, and five samples were found substandard. The mobile food testing van (MFTV) was used for on-the-spot testing, and legal samples were lifted for further analysis. The inspections also targeted food businesses, including restaurants, dhabas, tea stalls, and eateries, where food hygiene and sanitation practices were closely scrutinized.
Since the beginning of the year, the Jammu division's food safety teams have conducted 5,001 online inspections, issued 1,500 improvement notices, and collected over 2,400 legal samples. Of these, 189 samples failed and were subjected to further analysis. Additionally, 64 violators were penalized on the spot, with fines totaling Rs. 11.1 lakh, while 347 cases have been adjudicated with fines amounting to Rs. 47.2 lakh. Criminal cases were filed against 16 violators, resulting in a total penalty of Rs. 4 lakh. In total, fines and penalties amount to Rs. 62.21 lakh for violations under the FSS Act.
As part of the initiative, the department has also warned food vendors against using recycled cooking oil and emphasized the importance of proper sanitation, hygiene, and the use of safe, potable water. The department is taking steps to ensure that food handling facilities are located away from environmentally polluted areas, and is actively working with vendors to promote good manufacturing and hygienic practices (GMP).
The department also raised awareness among the public about food safety and encouraged them to report violations through the toll-free helpline (104). The ongoing crackdown aims to ensure safer food for the consumers of Jammu, particularly in the winter months when adulteration practices are known to increase.
The DFCO Jammu, under the leadership of the Commissioner FDA J&K, is committed to continuing its efforts to combat food adulteration and ensure public health and safety. The department has vowed to take corrective actions against violators and remains dedicated to improving food safety standards across the region. |
