SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 03: The Food & Drugs Administration (FDA), Jammu & Kashmir, has intensified enforcement activities across the Union Territory, with special focus on compliance with prescribed labelling requirements for meat and meat products.
A team headed by the Deputy Commissioner Food Safety, Kashmir, inspected various establishments, including Hospital Canteen, Kupwara, which was found violating various provisions of the food safety regulations and had failed to declare the nature/type of meat being served to consumers. A show cause notice was issued to the concerned FBO, and the case has been filed before the Adjudicating Officer (Additional Deputy Commissioner), Kupwara.
The premises of Ishfaq Ahmad Sheikh M/s Paak Foods situated at Regipora, Kupwara was also inspected, where violations pertaining to prescribed labeling requirements were found. A notice was issued to the concerned Food Business Operator (FBO), and a complaint will be filed before the competent court in accordance with law in terms of section 52 and 53 of the Act.
As the said products were manufactured at M/s Paak Foods, Wahdatpora, Budgam, the manufacturing premises was subsequently inspected by the concerned Food Safety authorities. On examination of the product labels, “Minced Kabab” was found to be misbranded and misleading, in contravention of the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020.
Accordingly, a complaint under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, has been filed before the Adjudicating Officer, Budgam, against Amjad Ali Bhat, Proprietor, M/s Paak Foods, Wahdatpora, Budgam, under Sections 52 and 53 of the Act.
Under Section 52, misbranding of food is punishable with a penalty which may extend to ₹3 lakh, while Section 53, relating to misleading advertisements, provides for a penalty which may extend to ₹10 lakh.
The Food & Drugs Administration, J&K, reiterated that misbranding, misleading labelling, misrepresentation of food articles and violations of prescribed food safety requirements will be dealt with in accordance with law.
The field officers have been directed to maintain strict vigil and ensure prompt regulatory action against violations, with the objective of safeguarding consumer health and ensuring compliance with prescribed food safety standards across the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir.
