BANDIPORA: The Deputy Commissioner (DC) Bandipora, Shakeel Ur Rehman Rather on Tuesday chaired a meeting of District Level Advisory Committee (DLAC) on safe food and healthy diet.
The meeting was aimed to ensure effective implementation of Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA) 2006 and to discuss enforcement, inspection and sampling status of food items in the district.
Various food safety measures and the role of different agencies were also discussed in the meeting.
The meeting also discussed the availability of Slaughter House, sampling of food items, implementation of Eat Right movement, availability of fresh fruit and vegetables in market, and food safety on wheels besides other issues.
Speaking on the occasion, the DC emphasized the critical role of proactive measures in safeguarding public health and consumer confidence in the safety and quality of food products.
He underscored the need for close collaboration among relevant agencies and stakeholders to effectively address challenges and strengthen the implementation of food safety regulations across the district.
The DC, on the occasion, reviewed the status of FOSTAC Training and Certification, registrations and licensing, and directed the concerned for proper monitoring of registrations and licensing.
He directed the concerned to conduct joint inspection teams of different stakeholders for regular market checking and proper sampling of food items.
Rather also stressed on increasing the number of Eat Right Schools and directed to conduct workshops in schools in collaboration with the Education Department.
The DC emphasized on conducting training cum awareness camps in Anganwadi centres and schools to promote fortified food.
He stressed on the concerned to promote fortified food in ICDS and schools besides creating awareness under Eat Right schools about food safety, nutrition and hygiene among school children, and to educate them regarding ill effects of junk food.
The DC assured support from district administration to all field functionaries and asked them to perform duties with added responsibility for proper implementation of government programmes.
On the occasion, the DC also directed Executive Officer MC to enforce regular market checking besides ensuring cleanliness in the market area.
The meeting was attended by ADDC Bandipora, Mohammad Ashraf Bhat; Chief Education Officer Bandipora, Mohammad Amin Beigh; Designated Officer Food Safety, Zahoor Ahmad Shiekh; Executive Officer Municipal Council, Ajaz Ahmad Khan, representatives from Police, Health and other concerned departments.