Srinagar, Sep 22 (KNS): The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), Jammu and Kashmir, intensified food safety enforcement in Srinagar by conducting a focused inspection drive targeting street food establishments across the city, officials said on Tuesday.

During the drive, enforcement teams inspected food businesses to assess compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the rules and regulations framed under it, with particular emphasis on sanitary and hygienic requirements prescribed under Schedule 4.

As part of the enforcement exercise, a special Repurpose Used Cooking Oil (RUCO) drive was also conducted among street food vendors at Nishat, Maki Point, Nehru Park, LD Hospital and Khyam.

A total of 20 street food establishments were inspected during the drive, of which eight Food Business Operators (FBOs) were compounded under Section 69 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, for violations of prescribed sanitary and hygienic requirements.

A fine of Rs 8,000 was imposed in the cases, officials said.

During the inspections, around 45 litres of used or re-used edible cooking oil was identified as unsuitable for further use and lifted through the concerned authorised RUCO aggregator for appropriate disposal.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The FBOs were directed to strictly adhere to the prescribed limits for reuse of cooking oil and ensure that used cooking oil is disposed of only through authorised aggregators.

The enforcement teams also conducted on-site awareness and sensitisation sessions for street food vendors and other FBOs on safe food handling, personal hygiene, maintenance of sanitary conditions, proper storage of food and responsible management of used cooking oil.

The FDA, J&K, reiterated that regular enforcement, inspection and awareness activities will continue across Srinagar and other parts of the Union Territory, with special emphasis on street food establishments, high-footfall areas and compliance with RUCO norms.

The department stressed that food businesses are required to maintain prescribed standards of hygiene and safety to ensure that food served to the public is safe, hygienic and fit for consumption.

Consumers have been requested to report any suspected unsafe or adulterated food product through the toll-free helpline number 104 or by email at cfsjandk.fnd@jk.gov.in.(KNS)