Ganderbal, Feb 10: In a strict enforcement drive aimed at ensuring food safety and public health, the district administration intensified market checking in Sonamarg on the directions of Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Kangan Nazir Ahmad Bhat (JKAS).
The Food Safety Officer (FSO) Kangan conducted extensive inspections of roadside vendors, dhabas, and hotels engaged in the sale of ready-to-eat food items. During the inspection, food business operators were found lacking in adherence to prescribed hygiene and sanitation norms and were issued on-the-spot directions to immediately rectify deficiencies.
All vendors and hotel operators were categorically instructed to maintain high standards of cleanliness and sanitation strictly in accordance with Schedule-4 of the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSS Act), 2006, failing which strict legal action will be initiated. They were also warned against violations of food labelling regulations, with officials stressing that the sale or service of expired food items will invite prosecution under the law.
“Food business operators have been clearly warned to comply with hygiene, sanitation, and labelling norms as mandated under the FSS Act. Any violation, including the sale of expired or unsafe food, will attract strict legal action. Such enforcement drives will be intensified, particularly in tourist destinations,” the Food Safety Officer said.
Simultaneously, enforcement under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003 was also carried out, during which a fine amounting to Rs 400 was imposed on smokers found violating Section 4 of the Act by smoking in public places.
Furthermore, food samples were lifted from multiple establishments for laboratory analysis under the FSS Act, 2006, and officials said further action will be taken against violators based on the test results.
Officials reiterated that the administration will adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards food safety violations to protect consumers and tourists visiting the region.
