AUG 09: Minister Satish Sharma on Saturday spearheaded a large-scale inspection drive across Srinagar to reinforce the government’s commitment to strict food safety enforcement. The operation, carried out in coordination with field officers from the Food Safety Department, covered Food Corporation of India (FCI) godowns, fair price shops, hotels, and street vendors operating in various parts of the city.
The surprise checks aimed to ensure that food storage, handling, and distribution practices meet the prescribed safety and hygiene standards. Inspecting warehouses, retail outlets, and eateries, Sharma reviewed stock records, examined quality parameters, and assessed cleanliness conditions to verify compliance with regulations.
During the inspections, the minister issued an unambiguous warning against the sale of adulterated meat and substandard food items, stressing that such acts pose serious risks to public health. He declared a zero-tolerance policy towards any violation, directing officials to take immediate sealing action against errant establishments and initiate prosecution under relevant food safety laws.
“Public health is non-negotiable,” Sharma asserted, adding that the administration would not hesitate to impose stringent penalties on those compromising the safety and quality of food products. He appealed to food business operators, from large suppliers to small vendors, to adhere strictly to hygiene norms, proper storage protocols, and quality control measures.
Sharma further instructed enforcement teams to maintain regular surprise inspections across all districts to deter malpractice and ensure a sustained culture of compliance. He also urged consumers to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspected instances of food adulteration to the concerned authorities.
The minister reiterated the Jammu & Kashmir Government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding citizens from unsafe and contaminated food. He emphasized that coordinated efforts between government agencies, food suppliers, and the public are essential to maintain high safety standards, protect health, and build trust in the food supply chain across the Union Territory.
