APRIL 30: Deputy Commissioner Jammu, Sachin Kumar Vaishya, chaired a comprehensive meeting aimed at evaluating and enhancing the food safety and legal metrology systems across the district.
The meeting brought together Sub-Divisional Magistrates, the Deputy Director of Legal Metrology, Food Safety Officers, and other relevant officials to review ongoing efforts and plan further action to ensure consumer safety.
Addressing the officers, the Deputy Commissioner emphasized the urgent need for proactive, well-coordinated measures to guarantee that all food items available in markets adhere to defined safety, quality, and hygiene standards. He highlighted the key role of inspections in ensuring compliance and curbing violations.
The DC instructed concerned departments to increase the frequency of market inspections across urban and rural areas. These inspections should focus on verifying the quality of food items, ensuring correct weights and measures, and maintaining hygienic conditions at food outlets and establishments. He particularly stressed the importance of surprise checks as a deterrent to malpractice, urging officials to take swift legal action against violators under the applicable food safety and metrology laws.
In addition to regulatory enforcement, the Deputy Commissioner emphasized the need to enhance public awareness around food safety norms and consumer rights. He called on officials to actively promote the toll-free helpline 104, which enables citizens to report food-related grievances directly. This, he said, would empower residents to participate in upholding food safety standards and help authorities address issues more effectively.
DC Vaishya also underscored the importance of inter-departmental coordination in building a robust monitoring framework that covers the entire supply chain—from production and packaging to retail and consumption.
He concluded the meeting by reiterating his commitment to consumer protection, fair trade practices, and public health. He urged the officials to not only act as regulators but also as facilitators of a cleaner, safer, and more transparent food ecosystem in Jammu.
The meeting laid out a plan for intensified enforcement, public outreach, and continuous monitoring to ensure that the district remains vigilant in maintaining food safety standards.
