STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Acting on the directions of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Smita Sethi, the Department of Food Safety (DFCO), Jammu, in coordination with Bus Stand police, conducted a surprise inspection at the Jammu Bus Stand today at around 9:30 AM.
“During the operation, officials intercepted 3 quintals of “sub-standard” paneer and 60 kilograms of khoya that were being transported from Kathua to Jammu,” said, Deputy Commissioner, Food and Supply Department, Madan Magotra.
Suspecting possible violations of food safety norms, Magotra said, the team seized the consignment for further scrutiny. One legal sample of the intercepted food items was lifted on the spot and sent for laboratory analysis to ascertain quality and compliance with Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulations.
“In a related action, the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Jammu, who is also the Adjudicating Officer under FSSAI, imposed a total fine of Rs 2.5 lakh on twelve erring shopkeepers for violations of food safety standards,” Magotra said adding that the action was taken following due legal proceedings in cases related to the sale and storage of substandard or non-compliant food products. Continuing its enforcement drive, Magotra said, the department also destroyed 2.5 quintals of seized mixed fat spread and around 50 kilograms of sweets at the Municipal Corporation Jammu (MCJ) dumping yard in Kot Bhalwal.
The destruction was carried out in accordance with prescribed procedures to prevent unsafe food items from reaching consumers, he said.
Officials reiterated their commitment to ensuring food safety and maintaining strict vigilance against the sale and distribution of adulterated or substandard food products in the region.