Jammu, Oct 9 (KNS): The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), Jammu and Kashmir, has inspected 95 street food vendors across Jammu division, compounded 11 cases and imposed fines totalling Rs 16,000 for violations of food safety norms, officials said.

The enforcement drive also led to 19 cases being recommended for adjudication under Sections 56 and 58 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, before the respective Additional Deputy Commissioners of the concerned districts.

Officials said the inspections were carried out as part of a coordinated campaign to ensure hygienic food-handling practices and compliance with prescribed food safety standards.

During the drive, violations involving unhygienic food handling and the use of prohibited or unsuitable materials for packaging and serving food were detected.

In one enforcement action, 10 kg of newspapers and 20 kg of snacks were destroyed on the spot by the concerned food business operators, while a fine of Rs 4,000 was imposed for the violations.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The FDA also conducted 17 awareness sessions to educate street food vendors about personal hygiene, sanitation, safe food storage, contamination prevention and the use of food-grade packaging materials.

Vendors were sensitised to their responsibilities under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and advised to maintain cleanliness at vending premises to prevent foodborne illnesses.

The administration said enforcement and awareness activities would continue across Jammu and Kashmir, with legal action against those found violating food safety regulations.

It also urged consumers to report suspected food adulteration, unsafe food and unhygienic practices through the official email address, cfsjandk.fnd\@jk.gov.in.

The FDA reiterated that ensuring safe food required strict regulatory enforcement alongside sustained awareness among food business operators. (KNS)