Srinagar, Oct 10 (KNS): The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), Jammu and Kashmir, has conducted 106 inspections of street food vendors across the Union Territory, compounded 18 cases and imposed fines amounting to Rs 20,000 as part of a special enforcement drive aimed at ensuring food safety and hygiene.

According to an official statement issued by the Commissioner, Food and Drugs Administration, J&K, on Saturday, six additional cases have been recommended for adjudication under Sections 56 and 58 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

The department also collected 22 food samples for laboratory analysis to determine whether they comply with prescribed food safety standards.

The inspections were carried out in busy markets and high-footfall areas across districts of Jammu and Kashmir, with enforcement teams examining hygiene standards, food preparation practices and the quality of materials used by street food vendors.

Officials said the drive focused on personal hygiene, cleanliness of vending premises, safe handling and preparation of food, and the use of food-grade utensils and cutlery.

During the inspections, vendors were cautioned against wrapping or serving food in newspapers, using unauthorised synthetic food colours and employing non-food-grade materials that could compromise consumer safety.

The enforcement teams also promoted the Repurpose Used Cooking Oil (RUCO) initiative, aimed at preventing the repeated use of degraded cooking oil in food preparation.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

As part of the initiative, used cooking oil samples were tested on the spot using specialised meters to measure Total Polar Compounds (TPC), an indicator of oil deterioration.

Vendors were informed that cooking oil exceeding the prescribed TPC limit of 25 per cent must not be used for food preparation and should instead be handed over to authorised aggregators in accordance with applicable regulations.

The FDA said the ongoing enforcement campaign was intended to strengthen regulatory compliance, improve hygiene standards among street food vendors and protect consumers from unsafe food.

All Food Business Operators have been directed to strictly comply with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the regulations framed under it.

The department also urged consumers to report suspected food adulteration, unsafe food products and unhygienic food-handling practices to help strengthen food safety enforcement.

Complaints can be submitted to the FDA through its official email address, cfsjandk.fnd\@jk.gov.in.

The administration reiterated that inspections, enforcement measures and awareness activities would continue across Jammu and Kashmir to ensure the availability of safe and hygienic food to consumers. (KNS)