Srinagar, May 18 (KNO): The Food Safety Department Srinagar on Monday launched an intensive inspection drive across several city areas, booking three bakery units for hygiene violations and warning shopkeepers against exposing food items to direct sunlight and unsafe storage practices.
In a statement issued to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), a spokesperson of the department said a team of the Food Safety Department Srinagar, along with Assistant Commissioner Food Safety Srinagar Yameen-ul-Nabi, carried out the drive in Karanagar, Kanikadal, Fateh Kadal, Gojwara and Hawal areas to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act and Rules.
During the inspection, three bakery units were found violating provisions of Schedule-4 of the Food Safety and Standards Act on hygiene and sanitary requirements. Consequently, prosecution under relevant provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Rules and Regulations will be initiated, and the cases will be submitted before the competent court of law.
The team also observed that several retail shopkeepers and small wholesalers were exposing food items directly to sunlight and not adhering to the prescribed storage conditions mentioned on product labels. Such practices, officials said, may adversely affect the quality and safety of food products.
“In this regard, all Food Business Operators (FBOs) are strictly directed not to expose food items to excessive sunlight and to ensure that all food products are stored in cool, dry places or strictly as per the storage instructions mentioned on the label of each product,” the spokesperson said.
He said that all FBOs are further directed to follow Good Storage Practices and maintain proper hygienic conditions as mandated under the Food Safety and Standards Act and Regulations. Any violation or non-compliance will invite strict legal action under the relevant provisions of the Act, the spokesperson added—(KNO)