Food Safety Deptt, Police intensify market inspections in Sopore

Sopore, Sep 4: In a bid to ensure the availability of quality food items and safeguard public health, the Food Safety Department, in collaboration with Sopore Police, on Thursday intensified its ongoing market-checking drive across various parts of Sopore town.

Teams of officials inspected shops, eateries, street vendors, and wholesale outlets to check compliance with food safety norms, hygiene standards, and proper labelling of consumable goods.

Several shopkeepers and vendors found selling substandard, unhygienic, or expired food products were penalised on the spot, while others were issued strict warnings to improve quality and cleanliness.

An official from the Food Safety Department said the drive aims to protect consumers from adulterated and unsafe food. *“We are committed to ensuring that every item sold in the market meets proper quality standards. Strict action will be taken against violators of the Food Safety and Standards Act,”* the official stressed.

The department has announced that market inspections in Sopore subdivision will be further intensified in the coming days, with a special focus on meat, bakery, dairy products, fruits, and vegetables—items most vulnerable to adulteration and poor hygiene during the season.

Locals welcomed the move, expressing hope that consistent checks would guarantee safe and hygienic products in the market. Authorities, meanwhile, appealed to the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any violations or sale of substandard items for swift action.