SEP 11: Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir, Atal Dulloo, chaired a review meeting to assess the functioning of the Drug and Food Control Organization (DFCO) following the recent seizures of rotten meat across various districts. Expressing concern over the risks posed to public health, he directed officials to adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards violators and ensure stricter enforcement of food safety regulations.
The Chief Secretary emphasized that protecting the health and well-being of citizens must remain the top priority of the administration. He called for intensified inspections of high-risk food businesses, including meat sellers, dairy operators, and food processing units, to curb malpractices and ensure that only safe and hygienic food reaches consumers.
Mr. Dulloo instructed the DFCO to strengthen its surveillance mechanisms and adopt modern tools for effective monitoring. He also stressed on upgrading laboratory infrastructure to enhance testing capacity and accuracy, thereby ensuring timely detection of adulterated or unsafe food items.
Recognizing the importance of storage and supply chain management, the Chief Secretary directed officials to improve cold chain facilities to maintain the quality and safety of perishable products. He further highlighted the need for seamless inter-agency coordination between DFCO, municipal bodies, police, and district administrations for effective enforcement and swift action against defaulters.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to safeguarding public health, CS Dulloo urged officials to ensure visible enforcement at the grassroots level. He directed them to take strict punitive measures against violators involved in adulteration, unhygienic practices, or sale of substandard food products.
He assured that the administration will provide full support in strengthening manpower, equipment, and resources of the DFCO to make food safety enforcement more efficient and effective. The Chief Secretary also appealed to the public to remain vigilant and report any instances of unsafe food practices to the authorities, reinforcing community participation in ensuring safe food for all in J&K.
