Food Safety dept conducts surprise raids on high-risk food establishments

Anantnag, Aug 02: Pursuant to the directions of the  commissioner, FDA J&K, Food Safety team district Anantnag, under the supervision of the Assistant Commissioner, Food Safety Anantnag, Saturday conducted surprise inspections of high-risk food establishments involved in the processing and preparation of meat and meat products, fish and fish products. A statement issued here said that during the drive, several prominent food business establishments were found violating Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Hygienic Practices (GHP). Notably, these violations included improper storage of processed and semi-processed meat products, specifically the failure to maintain the requisite freezing conditions mandated under the Food Safety and Standards Regulations which resulted in drip loss in the product. In view of the serious non-compliances observed, concerned Food Safety authorities have suspended the License of 3 FBOs till further orders under Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Furthermore, during the raids, food safety authorities seized 250 KGs of suspected food items including Mutton Ristas and Kebabs wherein misleading, false label declarations were made. The label of the products prominently described the items as ‘Mutton Ristas’ and ‘Kebabs,’ however, the detailed ingredient list revealed that the products were actually made from Chicken, Mutton and Soya chunks and doesn’t accurately represent what it is, potentially deceiving consumers which is often prohibited under law. The Food Safety Authorities of the district have urged the general public, particularly youths to be vigilant while choosing their meals from Hotels/Restaurants in order to safeguard their health.