In a major enforcement drive ahead of the holy month of Ramadan, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) J&K on Wednesday said to have seized and destroyed 5 quintals of decomposed meat and approximately 6000 kilograms of unsafe raw fish during a surprise inspection in Jammu.
According to a statement issued here, Acting on the directions of the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the enforcement team of the Food Safety Organisation (DFCO), Jammu Division, conducted a surprise inspection at the premises of M/s India Fish Company, Warehouse, Jammu.
The operation was carried out under the supervision of Commissioner, Food and Drug Administration J&K, Smita Sethi.
The inspection was led by the Deputy Commissioner, Food Safety Division, Jammu, along with a team of Food Safety Officers, assisted by the District Administration, J&K Police, and Jammu Municipal Corporation.
During the inspection, officials uncovered a large consignment of suspected unsafe fish, including nearly 150 cartons of raw fish weighing around 6000 kilograms. The fish had reportedly been transported by road from Andhra Pradesh on February 10 without adequate refrigeration and temperature control. Surveillance samples were collected for laboratory analysis, and preliminary findings indicated that the consignment was unfit for human consumption.
Additionally, around 500 kilograms of decomposed meat were seized on the spot. The meat was found to be rotten, spoiled, and emitting a foul smell, rendering it unsafe for consumption. The seized stock was subsequently destroyed.
Legal proceedings have been initiated under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
The Food Business Operator (FBO) has been booked for violations, including maintaining insanitary conditions and failure to adhere to mandatory temperature control requirements. Authorities have indicated that the establishment’s license is liable for cancellation, and further action is being pursued under relevant provisions of the Act and associated regulations.
Commissioner Smita Sethi reiterated that the Health & Medical Education Department is maintaining zero tolerance against food adulteration and unsafe practices. She directed enforcement officers across all districts to intensify inspections and ensure strict implementation of food safety regulations.
The Department expressed serious concern over the increasing instances of adulteration and improper storage of frozen non-vegetarian products, particularly during warmer months, which pose significant health risks including food poisoning and other life-threatening diseases.
Officials stated that enforcement drives will continue across block, district, and divisional levels to ensure the availability of safe and quality food products during Ramadan. Special vigilance is being maintained on meat, fish, milk, sweets, juices, and other consumables.
Prohibition orders have already been issued directing food business operators to maintain proper refrigeration for milk and non-vegetarian items.
During the inspection, the team also conducted on-the-spot awareness sessions for food business operators and consumers, emphasizing strict temperature control for frozen products and prohibiting the use of unpermitted food colours.
The Department has appealed to the public to remain vigilant and report any suspected adulteration or unsafe food practices by dialing the toll-free helpline number 104 for prompt action.
The Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Food Safety Jammu, reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding consumer health and continuing its campaign against adulteration and unsafe food practices.
