Ahead of Eid, authorities wake up to prevent sale of unhygienic food items

Srinagar, Apr 4: Ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, authorities on Thursday destroyed 60 kgs of bakery items and ready-to-eat food items which were found to violate hygiene standards.

The Food Safety wing of the Drugs & Food Control Organisation, Kashmir undertook intensive inspections of manufacturing units in Lal Chowk, Karan Nagar and other areas in the city.

During the inspections, one food establishment was sealed by the team and the quantity of expired and unsanitary food items were also destroyed on the spot.

The team also utilised a mobile food testing laboratory to assess the quality of fast-food items, leading to the immediate disposal of those found unfit for consumption. Assistant Commissioner, Food Safety Srinagar, Yamin Ul Nabi told Greater Kashmir that they have intensified the inspections at various food manufacturing units across the city ahead of Eid ul Fitr celebration in the city.

"We have destroyed almost 60 kgs of food items. Ready-to-eat food including bakery items were improperly stored. We have destroyed over 25 cakes at a famous bakery unit as well,” he said.

He said that the focus was particularly on food business operators involved in the manufacturing and processing of bakery products and ready-to-eat foods.

"Our aim is to verify compliance with hygiene and quality standards, as well as to detect and prevent any instances of food adulteration," he said.

Nabi said that all food establishments in the city have been sternly instructed to uphold stringent standards of sanitation and hygiene within their premises.

"This is an initiative to safeguard public health and ensure that consumers can trust the quality and safety of the food they consume. Consumers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to food safety," he said.

"People can register their complaints regarding food adulteration, substandard, expired food items, improper storage of food items,” he said.