Srinagar, Aug 21: The Jammu and Kashmir Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has directed all Food Business Operators (FBOs), including manufacturers, processors, wholesalers, retailers, cold storage operators, transporters, and e-commerce platforms, to strictly comply with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and Packaging and Labeling Regulations, 2020 in relation to the sale of frozen raw meat, chicken, and related products.
The public notice, issued by Commissioner Food & Drugs Administration, J&K, Smita Sethi, emphasized that frozen meat and meat products must be stored and transported at -18°C or below at all stages, from production to sale. Short-term chilled storage at 4°C is permissible only for a maximum of two to four days prior to consumption. Products stored at -18°C or lower must be consumed within twelve months from the date of freezing.
The FDA further directed that every package of frozen meat or chicken must clearly display the name of the product, list of ingredients, declaration of non-vegetarian status, net quantity, batch or lot number, date of manufacture/packing, expiry or use-by date, storage conditions, manufacturer/packer/importer details, FSSAI license number, and logo. For online sales, the shelf life at the time of delivery must not be less than 30% of the total shelf life or at least 45 days before expiry, whichever is earlier.
Non-compliance will attract strict enforcement action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, including seizure of non-compliant stock and penalties up to ₹5 lakh. Offenses involving unsafe food are punishable with imprisonment up to six years and fines up to ₹5 lakh.
The Commissioner urged all FBOs to review and upgrade their operations, ensure full compliance, and remove any non-compliant products from outlets and online platforms to safeguard public health. (KDC)
