Srinagar, May 18 : The Food Safety Wing of the Drugs & Food Control Organization, Jammu & Kashmir, has launched a special inspection drive to ensure safe, hygienic, and quality food for government employees staying in residential facilities and hotels during the ongoing bi-annual ‘Darbar Move’ period, officials said.
An official told news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) acting on the directions of the Commissioner, Food & Drugs Administration, J&K, special teams were constituted under the supervision of respective Assistant Commissioners (Food Safety), comprising Food Safety Officers, to carry out extensive inspections across food establishments and residential accommodations leased for move employees by the Estates Department.
Officials said the teams inspected 14 establishments, including government residential quarters at Sempora, Pampore, TRC Srinagar, and several other hotel accommodations hired by the Estates Department for lodging of employees.
During the inspections, the Food Business Operators (FBOs) engaged by the Estates Department were directed to strictly adhere to the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act and Regulations. The inspecting officers laid special emphasis on maintaining hygiene and sanitation standards as prescribed under Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards Regulations.
The food business operators concerned were also directed to ensure full compliance with the standards and regulations prescribed under the Food Safety & Standards Act, 2006, officials added.
The inspection teams instructed all FBOs to provide fresh and hygienic meals to employees and strictly refrain from the use of synthetic food colours or any unsafe ingredients in prepared food items. The officers sensitised the operators regarding safe food handling practices, cleanliness of kitchens, proper storage of raw materials, and maintenance of personal hygiene by food handlers.
The Food Safety Department reiterated its commitment towards safeguarding public health and ensuring that employees staying in government accommodations are provided with safe, wholesome and quality food during the move period.
Officials said the inspection drives shall continue in the coming days across various locations to monitor compliance and enforce food safety regulations effectively. (KNS)
