Srinagar, Sep 22: FDA, J&K, conducted focused inspection drive targeting street food vendors across Srinagar city.
During the drive, the enforcement teams inspected food businesses to assess compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, with particular emphasis on the sanitary and hygienic requirements prescribed under Schedule 4.
As part of the enforcement exercise, a special RUCO (Repurpose Used Cooking Oil) drive was conducted among street food vendors at Nishat, Maki Point, Nehru Park, LD Hospital and Khayam. A total of 20 street food establishments were inspected, out of which eight Food Business Operators (FBOs) were compounded under Section 69 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, for violations of prescribed sanitary and hygienic requirements with a fine of Rs 8000.
During the drive, approximately 45 litres of used/re-used edible cooking oil was identified as unsuitable for further use and was lifted through the concerned authorized RUCO aggregator for appropriate disposal.
The FBOs were directed to strictly adhere to the prescribed limits for the reuse of cooking oil and ensure that used cooking oil is disposed of only through authorized aggregator.
The enforcement teams also conducted on-site awareness and sensitization of street food vendors and other FBOs regarding safe food handling, personal hygiene, maintenance of sanitary conditions, proper storage of food and responsible management of used cooking oil.
The FDA reiterated that regular enforcement, inspection and awareness activities will continue across Srinagar and other parts of the Union Territory, with special emphasis on street food establishments, high-footfall areas and RUCO compliance. The department has further stressed that food businesses are required to maintain the prescribed standards of hygiene and safety to ensure that food served to the public is safe, hygienic and fit for consumption.
The Department has requested Consumers to report any suspected unsafe or adulterated food product through Toll-Free Helpline No. 10
