Special squads constituted to step up market inspection
KISHTWAR: The District Level Advisory Committee (DLAC) met here today under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Kumar Shavan to review measures for reinforcement of food safety and implementation of healthy diet initiatives.
The Committee discussed the effective implementation of the Food Safety and Standards Act, along with the rules, regulations, and guidelines framed by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
The meeting emphasized the need for constituting dedicated teams, headed by the ADM, to conduct daily routine checks and provide reports on hygiene and sanitation.
The DDC instructed the DLAC members to form squads for market inspections to ensure strict compliance with food safety standards. The inspections will focus on items such as milk, milk products, khoya, packaged goods, sweets, and other consumables.
Asking the enforcement departments to act tough against the violators, the DC stating asked them to impose ₹10,000 to ₹15,000 fine on habitual offenders.
A three-day deadline was set for the mandatory whitewashing of commercial establishments. The DC also directed the EO MC to seize 200 unauthorized rehris (handcarts), prepare a list of these vendors, and ensure their proper registration. Once registered, these vendors will be allowed to operate within the designated Chowgan Ground.
Additionally, the DC ordered that no trade units or stalls be established in front of shops or personal properties without proper authorization. He further stressed the need to organize training workshops and awareness programs for vendors, the food business fraternity, and other stakeholders to uphold food quality standards as per government norms.
At the onset of the meeting, Assistant Commissioner Food Safety, DFCO Kishtwar, Farooq Ahmad, provided an update on the status of food safety in the district. He outlined steps to ensure the availability of safe, pure, hygienic, and high-quality food for consumers. He also emphasized the importance of proper adjudication in food safety matters.
The meeting was attended by PO ICDS/CEO KDA Rishi Kumar Sharma, ASP Kishtwar Pawan Sharma, GM DIC/ACD Kishtwar Phulail Singh, Assistant Commissioner Food Safety and Member Secretary DLAC Farooq Ahmad, CMO Kishtwar Dr. Rajinder Kumar, CAO Kishtwar Amjad Hussain Malik, Deputy CEO Kishtwar Masood Qazi, Inspector FSO Kishtwar Sajjad Hussain, besides representatives from consumer organizations, food business stakeholders and Food Safety Expert Prithpal Singh.