FDA Kashmir realises fine of Rs 5.86 lakh from erring FBOs in July

Srinagar, Aug 16: The Deputy Commissioner Food Safety Kashmir today took a review of the activities conducted by the enforcement officers during the month of July 2024, in her office chamber, here.

The meeting was informed that the Food Safety Wing of Drugs and Food Control Organization, Kashmir has realized a fine of Rs 586000 from various Food Business Operators (FBOs) under the provisions of Food Safety & Standards Act 2006, during the month of July 2024. Besides, 375 legal samples and 1003 surveillance samples were lifted from various markets of Kashmir Division for testing of quality & safety parameters.

As many as 31 complaints regarding the quality issues of food were received from various quarters and same were resolved within 24 hours with appropriate action under FSSA. 173 FBOs were compounded on spot under Section 69 of the Act and a fine of Rs 173000 was realized from them and remitted in the government account.

Further adjudicating officers (Additional Deputy Commissioner) of various districts of Kashmir division have  disposed-off  30  Food Safety cases and a fine of Rs 413000 was imposed on the erring FBOs for selling sub-standard and misbranded food articles.

Moreover, 42 fresh complaint cases were filed in the competent courts for adjudication against various Food Business Operators for contravening various provisions of Food Safety & Standards Act 2006.

Deputy Commissioner Food Safety Kashmir, directed all the Food Safety Officers/ Designated Officers to ensure a strict vigil on manufacturing and sale of sweets, milk and milk products, Bakery products etc. and their sanitary/hygienic conditions and initiate legal strict action against the defaulters under the relevant provisions of the law.

Meanwhile, Food Safety on Wheels (FSW)/ Mobile Food Testing Vans stands deployed for on the spot testing of Food articles in all the districts of Kashmir.

All the stakeholders, viz. Consumers, Food Business Operators, Educational Institutions etc. have been informed through this medium to come forward and play an active role in creating a safe food ecosystem by availing the facilities of these Mobile Food Testing Vans and contact on toll free number in case of any complaint regarding food quality.