Srinagar, August 21(KNS): In a major move aimed at strengthening food safety measures, the Government of Jammu & Kashmir has issued a public notice mandating strict compliance with Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) guidelines for the handling and sale of frozen raw meat, chicken, and related products.

The directive, issued by the Commissioner of Food & Drug Administration (FDA), J&K, Smita Sethi, is intended to safeguard public health and ensure uniform safety and hygiene standards across the meat supply chain. A copy of the order lies with KNS

The notice requires all Food Business Operators (FBOs) – including manufacturers, processors, retailers, wholesalers, cold storage units, transporters, and e-commerce platforms – to adhere to the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labeling) Regulations, 2020.

Any sale of frozen meat or meat products without proper packaging and labeling is now strictly prohibited.

Clear definitions have been provided for different meat categories. “Fresh meat” refers to meat that has not undergone any preservation process and is sold soon after slaughter.

“Chilled meat” is fresh meat stored at temperatures between 0°C and 4°C to extend its short-term shelf life. “Frozen meat” refers to meat stored at -18°C or lower, ensuring long-term preservation.

All frozen meat and meat products must be maintained at this temperature throughout storage and transportation. Short-term chilled storage (at 4°C) is permitted only for up to four days before consumption, and frozen items must be used within 12 months from the date of freezing.

The notice further mandates that all establishments must be equipped with calibrated temperature monitoring devices and maintain both physical and digital records for inspection. These measures are aimed at ensuring transparency and traceability in the supply chain.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

As per the FSSAI labeling regulations, every package of frozen meat or chicken must prominently display key information including the name of the food product, list of ingredients, net quantity, batch or lot number, date of manufacture or packing, expiry or "use by" date, storage conditions, name and address of the manufacturer or importer, and the FSSAI license number with logo. Additionally, a declaration of non-vegetarian status with the prescribed symbol must be clearly visible.

Specific conditions have also been laid out for e-commerce platforms. Products sold online must have at least 30% of their shelf life remaining at the time of delivery or a minimum of 45 days before expiry—whichever is earlier. Mandatory product information must be accessible to consumers before purchase, and actual images of the product must be displayed. Packaging materials used must be food-grade, non-toxic, and FSSAI-compliant. Voluntary halal certification, if mentioned, must still meet all safety and labeling requirements.

Violations of these guidelines will result in strict enforcement action. Penalties include fines of up to ?5 lakh for sub-standard products (Section 51), ?3 lakh for misbranded or mislabeled items (Section 52), ?1 lakh for insanitary conditions (Section 56), ?2 lakh for operating without FSSAI registration (Section 48), and ?10 lakh for operating without a valid FSSAI license (Section 63). Furthermore, the sale of unsafe food can lead to imprisonment for up to six years along with a fine of ?5 lakh under Section 59(iii).

The Commissioner has urged all FBOs to immediately assess and upgrade their operations to meet these regulatory standards. Non-compliant products must be withdrawn from both physical outlets and online platforms without delay. The notice warns that failure to comply will invite legal action without any further warning.(KNS).