RK News Service
SRINAGAR, May 18: The Food Wing of the Drugs and Food Control Organisation (DFCO), Jammu and Kashmir, has launched a special inspection drive to ensure the availability of safe, hygienic and quality food to employees staying in government accommodations and hotels during the ongoing move period.
The drive has been initiated on the directions of the Commissioner, Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), J&K.
Officials said special teams headed by Assistant Commissioners, Food Safety, and comprising Food Safety Officers, have been constituted to carry out inspections at food establishments and accommodations hired by the Estates Department for move employees.
As part of the drive, inspection teams visited 14 establishments, including Government Residential Quarters at Sempora and Pampore, TRC Srinagar, and several hotels engaged for lodging employees.
During the inspections, Food Business Operators (FBOs) associated with the Estates Department were directed to strictly comply with provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act and related regulations. Officials laid emphasis on maintaining hygiene and sanitation standards prescribed under Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards Regulations.
The teams also instructed operators to serve fresh and hygienic meals and avoid the use of synthetic food colours or any unsafe ingredients in prepared food items.
Officials further sensitised food operators about safe food handling practices, kitchen cleanliness, proper storage of raw materials and maintenance of personal hygiene by food handlers.
The Food Safety Department said the inspection drive is aimed at safeguarding public health and ensuring safe and wholesome food for employees during the move period.
Officials added that inspections will continue at various locations in the coming days to monitor compliance and enforce food safety regulations effectively.