SANJY – 2025 : Food safety team inspects langars at Nunwan base camp, Chandanwari transit camp

Pahalgam, July 03:  In a proactive effort to ensure the safety and well-being of pilgrims during the Shri Amarnath Yatra, the Food Safety Team Kashmir, under the directions of Commissioner Food and Drugs Administration J&K, Smita Sethi conducted a comprehensive inspection of Langars operating at the Base Camp Nunwan and Transit Camp Chandanwari, Pahalgam.According to a statement issued here, the inspections were conducted under the supervision of Joint Commissioner Food Safety, J&K, Sanjeev Kumar.The team, comprised of Deputy Commissioner Food Safety, Kashmir, State Nodal Officer, Food Safety Officer HQ Kashmir, and Food Safety Officers from District Anantnag. The inspection aimed to ensure that all Langars adhere to the highest standards of food safety and hygiene, thereby safeguarding the health of pilgrims.A sensitization meeting was also convened by the Joint Commissioner, in which Sachin Sharma, Additional Camp Director and representatives of Langars authorized to operate at the Base Camp Nunwan also participated. It was informed that 12 Langars are currently operating at the Base Camp, Nunwan and 08 at the Transit Camp Chandanwari.During the meeting, State Nodal Officer, FDA senzitised the representatives of the Langars on the importance of maintaining high standards of health hygiene and food safety. The Langars representatives and food handlers were emphasized for compliance with the Advisory issued by the department, focusing on key areas such viz. Sanitary and hygienic requirements, Proper storage conditions, Regular checking of expiry dates of raw materials, Use of potable water for food preparation, Regular disposal of food waste, Pest and rodent control measures, Prohibition of non permitted food colors, Ensuring health certificates for food handlers, Registration of Langars under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.The Joint Commissioner Food Safety said that the Food Safety Department reaffirms its commitment to monitoring and enforcing food safety standards during the Shri Amarnath Yatra. We urge all Food Business Operators (FBOs) to strictly adhere to the guidelines and regulations to ensure a safe and healthy experience for all pilgrims.