JAMMU, Oct 6:The Food & Drugs Administration (FDA), Jammu and Kashmir, conducted a Union Territory-wide enforcement, inspection and awareness drive among street food vendors with the objective of strengthening compliance with food safety standards and ensuring the availability of safe, hygienic and wholesome food to consumers.
As part of the drive, 395 street food vendors were inspected across all districts of Jammu and Kashmir. The inspections focused on key aspects of food safety, including personal hygiene of food handlers, cleanliness and sanitary conditions of vending premises, safe handling and storage of food, use of food-grade utensils and packaging materials, and proper management of cooking oil.
During the enforcement drive, 38 cases were compounded under Section 69 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, resulting in a cumulative fine of Rs 50,500.
In addition, 68 cases were recommended for appropriate statutory action before the concerned Adjudicating Authorities, including Additional Deputy Commissioners of the respective districts, based on the nature and gravity of the violations detected.
Of these, 39 cases were recommended under Section 56 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, which provides for a penalty of up to Rs 1 lakh for unhygienic or insanitary processing or manufacturing of food. Another 29 cases were recommended under Section 58, which provides for a penalty of up to ₹2 lakh for contraventions involving the use of non-food-grade utensils or packaging materials.
During the inspections, approximately 130 kg of unsuitable food and snack articles were also destroyed in accordance with the prescribed procedure.
92 Awareness and Sensitization Sessions Held
Alongside enforcement, the FDA placed considerable emphasis on education, awareness and sensitization of street food vendors. A total of 92 awareness and sensitization sessions were conducted across the Union Territory.
During these sessions, vendors were sensitized about personal hygiene, cleanliness of vending premises, safe food handling and storage practices, and the use of food-grade utensils and packaging materials.
They were also advised to avoid non-food-grade materials and newspapers for wrapping food, refrain from using unauthorized synthetic food colours, prevent cross-contamination, and ensure proper management and disposal of used cooking oil.
75 Cooking Oil Samples Tested
Special emphasis was laid on the management and testing of Used Cooking Oil (UCO) through Digital Oil Testing Meters.
During the drive, 75 cooking oil samples were tested , and all 75 samples were found to be within the permissible range. No instance of Total Polar Compounds (TPC) exceeding the prescribed limit of 25 per cent** was reported during the drive.
The initiative is aimed at promoting responsible management of cooking oil and discouraging the repeated use of degraded cooking oil by food vendors.
The FDA, J&K, reiterated that street food vendors constitute an important component of the food supply chain and provide consumers with a wide variety of local and traditional food items.
The street food vendors were advised to proactively comply with the prescribed food safety and hygiene requirements and extend cooperation to enforcement officials during inspections and awareness activities.
The FDA also urged consumers to remain vigilant and report any suspected unsafe or adulterated food product through the Toll-Free Helpline No. 104 or via email at [email protected].
