 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Mar 26: In a proactive effort to ensure food safety during the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr and Navratra festivals, the Food Safety teams of the Drug and Food Control Organization (DFCO), Jammu, launched an extensive milk drive across the division. The drive, conducted under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA), focused on market inspections, on-spot testing, and raising awareness among food business operators (FBOs) and consumers.
Led by the Deputy Commissioner of Food Safety, Jammu, enforcement officers conducted surprise checks at various locations, including a raid at the Police Naka in Janipur, Jammu. During this operation, 30 samples of milk and milk products were tested on the spot using Mobile Food Testing Vans (MFTV). Out of these, three milk samples and one paneer sample were found suspicious and were lifted for further laboratory analysis under legal provisions.
In addition, similar drives were carried out across the Jammu division:
District Doda (Ghat): 30 milk samples tested, with mass awareness programs conducted for vendors and school students.
District Poonch (Surankote): 25 milk samples tested, alongside educational sessions for food business operators and milk vendors.
Food Safety teams have been directed to conduct consistent inspections across all districts, ensuring strict compliance with hygiene standards and preventing adulteration. Special attention has been given to sweets shops, bakeries, and milk vendors, urging them to maintain cleanliness, avoid using unauthorized additives, and refrain from selling substandard products. Traders dealing in essential commodities were instructed to follow proper packaging and labeling guidelines, ensuring the availability of safe food products during the festive season.
Consumers were also encouraged to remain vigilant and report any food safety violations via the helpline 104. Vendors were reminded to display their licenses and rate lists prominently at their establishments.
Overall, 100 milk and milk product samples were tested during the drive, with four legal samples lifted for further investigation. The DFCO reiterated that public cooperation is crucial in maintaining food safety and emphasized its commitment to protecting consumer health.
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