Ganderbal, June 03: In a concerted effort to uphold public health standards ahead of the Eid-ul-Adha, authorities in Kangan area of Ganderbal Tuesday conducted an intensified market inspection drive, targeting bakeries and food outlets across the region.
The drive was carried out under the directions of the Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal Jatin Kishore and the Sub-Divisional Magistrate Kangan.
Led by a team of officials, including Food Safety Officer Fayaz Ahmad, the inspection aimed to enforce compliance with the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act, 2006. The focus was placed on ensuring quality, hygiene, and safe food practices among Food Business Operators (FBOs).
During the inspection, several establishments were found to be in violation of FSS regulations. Consequently, fines amounting to Rs 6,000 were imposed on erring vendors. Speaking about the initiative, Food Safety Officer Fayaz Ahmad said: “Ensuring that the food our people consume is safe and hygienic is our top priority. Regular checks will continue, and strict action will be taken against those who fail to comply.”
The drive has received positive feedback from local residents. Ghulam Nabi, a shopkeeper in Kangan, appreciated the move, saying, “This kind of checking brings a sense of responsibility among shopkeepers. It’s good for both the business and the community.” Similarly, Farzana Jan, a local resident, noted, “As consumers, we feel more confident buying from local shops when we know inspections are taking place.”
Adil Nazir, another resident said that Food Safety department should extend the drive to other parts of the district ahead of the Eid-ul Adha. “The shopkeepers resorting to black-marketing and hording should be slapped with huge fines so that they don’t resort to such practices again,” he said. “In such practices, it’s the common man who suffers.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to continuing such inspections in the future. They have also appealed to all food business operators to strictly adhere to the provisions of the FSS Act to avoid punitive measures.
