FDA destroys 500 kg of sweets in Jammu Division ahead of Diwali
The Food and Drugs Administration suspended four licences and recommended 11 challans during a special food safety enforcement drive across several districts.
The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) of Jammu and Kashmir has destroyed almost 500 kg of sweets, including Rasgullas worth Rs 79,500, after finding them unfit to eat, according to the Kashmir Observer.
The agency conducted a special enforcement drive across Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Udhampur, Reasi, Ramban, Doda, Kishtwar, Rajouri and Poonch districts to inspect food items such as paneer, khoya, savouries and sweets.
During the inspections, the FDA lifted 56 samples and suspended two food business licences and two registrations because of violations regarding safety and hygiene standards.
The department recommended 11 challans under Section 56 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, which allows for penalties of up to Rs 1 lakh for unhygienic manufacturing or processing. Four other cases were compounded.
The FDA stated the drive was intended to ensure compliance with safety norms and stop the sale of substandard or adulterated food during the festive season.
The department advised consumers to purchase sweets from licensed shops and to report any suspected food adulteration.