Ishtiyaq Kar
Srinagar, Mar 13 (KNS): In an endeavor to uphold consumer safety and quality standards of food products, the Food Safety Department in Srinagar has announced a comprehensive plan to intensify market checking operations across the region.
The initiative aims to combat the sale of adulterated and substandard food items, safeguard public health, and uphold the integrity of the food supply chain.
The decision to ramp up market inspections underscores the department's commitment to enforcing stringent food safety regulations.
With a focus on local markets, teams of officials will conduct regular visits to ensure compliance with established safety and quality standards.
According to an official from the Food Safety Department, the primary objective is to verify the quality of food products available to consumers. “This involves scrutinizing labels for accurate information, checking expiration dates, and ensuring adherence to prescribed packaging norms.
Of paramount concern is the prevalence of adulterated food items in the market. To address this issue, intensified market checks will target individuals or establishments involved in the sale of substandard or adulterated products,” the official told KNS.
Concurrently, awareness campaigns will be launched to educate consumers about their rights, including the importance of scrutinizing product labels and reporting suspicious activities.
Special teams comprising food safety officers and inspectors will be deployed for surprise checks across various markets in Kashmir. These teams are vested with the authority to inspect food establishments, seize non-compliant products, and initiate legal action against violators.
However, the success of this initiative hinges on collaborative efforts. The Food Safety Department will collaborate with local authorities, market associations, and other stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of the market checking operations.
Stringent penalties await individuals or establishments found guilty of violating food safety norms. These penalties may include fines, suspension of licenses, and legal repercussions as prescribed by the Food Safety and Standards Act.
The public is encouraged to actively participate in maintaining food safety standards by promptly reporting instances of suspected adulteration or non-compliance to the designated authorities.
Local residents have welcomed the intensified market checking initiative, considering it a proactive step toward safeguarding public health and ensuring the availability of safe and quality food products in Jammu. The collaborative approach and emphasis on consumer awareness reflect the department's unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of food safety in the region.
With rigorous inspections and collaborative efforts, the department aims to combat the sale of adulterated products and create a safer environment for consumers. (KNS)