Srinagar, Sep 22, KDC: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Jammu and Kashmir, conducted a focused food safety enforcement drive across Srinagar city, inspecting 20 street food establishments and compounding eight Food Business Operators (FBOs) for violations.
The enforcement teams conducted inspections to assess compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the rules and regulations framed thereunder, with particular emphasis on sanitary and hygienic requirements prescribed under Schedule 4.
As part of the drive, a special RUCO (Repurpose Used Cooking Oil) exercise was conducted among street food vendors at Nishat, Maki Point, Nehru Park, LD Hospital and Khyam.
Of the 20 establishments inspected, eight FBOs were compounded under Section 69 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, for violating prescribed sanitary and hygienic requirements. A total fine of Rs 8,000 was imposed.
During the enforcement exercise, around 45 litres of used/re-used edible cooking oil was found unsuitable for further use and lifted through the concerned authorised RUCO aggregator for appropriate disposal.
The FBOs were directed to strictly adhere to the prescribed limits for reuse of cooking oil and ensure that used cooking oil is disposed of only through authorised aggregators.
The enforcement teams also conducted on-site awareness and sensitisation among street food vendors and other FBOs on safe food handling, personal hygiene, maintenance of sanitary conditions, proper food storage and responsible management of used cooking oil.
The FDA, J&K, said regular enforcement, inspection and awareness activities would continue across Srinagar and other parts of the Union Territory, with special emphasis on street food establishments, high-footfall areas and RUCO compliance.
The department stressed that food businesses are required to maintain prescribed hygiene and safety standards to ensure that food served to the public is safe, hygienic and fit for consumption. Consumers have been advised to report any suspected unsafe or adulterated food products through the toll-free helpline 104 or via email at [email protected].
