Jammu February 18 (KNS): Ahead of Ramadan, the Food and Drug Administration Jammu and Kashmir launched a major enforcement drive against unsafe food practices in Jammu Division.
Reports reaching to KNS, said that acting on directions of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the enforcement team of the Food Safety Organisation Jammu Division carried out a surprise inspection at the premises of M s India Fish Company, Warehouse, Jammu. The team seized and destroyed five quintals of decomposed meat and 6000 kilograms of raw fish found unfit for human consumption.
The operation was conducted under the supervision of Commissioner FDA J and K, Smita Sethi. The inspection was led by the Deputy Commissioner, Food Safety Division Jammu, along with a team of Food Safety Officers. The team was assisted by the District Administration, J and K Police, and the Jammu Municipal Corporation.
During the inspection, officials discovered around 150 cartons of raw fish weighing nearly 6000 kilograms. The consignment had been transported by road from Andhra Pradesh on 10 February 2026 without adequate refrigeration and temperature control. Surveillance samples were collected for laboratory analysis. Preliminary findings indicated the fish was unsafe for human consumption.
Officials also seized approximately 500 kilograms of decomposed meat at the cost of the Food Business Operator. The meat was found rotten, spoiled, deteriorated, and emitting a foul smell.
Legal proceedings have been initiated under the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006. The Food Business Operator has been booked for violating a prohibitory order and other provisions of the Food Safety Act 2006 and Regulations of 2011, including maintaining insanitary conditions and storing and supplying unsafe food. The licence of the establishment is liable for cancellation.
Further action has been taken under Sections 56 and 58 of the Act for gross violations, including failure to maintain the mandatory temperature chain.
Commissioner Smita Sethi stated that Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo is closely monitoring the department’s actions and has directed zero tolerance against food adulteration and insanitary practices. She has instructed enforcement officers across Jammu and Kashmir to intensify inspections in all districts and divisions to ensure strict implementation of the Act.
The department expressed concern over rising instances of adulteration and improper storage of frozen non vegetarian products, particularly during the summer season. Officials warned that such practices can lead to food poisoning, hepatitis, cancer, and other serious diseases.
The enforcement drive will continue across block, district, and divisional levels to ensure the availability of safe and quality food products, including meat, fish, milk, milk products, sweets, juices, and other consumables. Special vigilance will be maintained during the holy month of Ramadan.
Prohibition orders have already been issued directing food business operators to maintain proper refrigeration for milk and non vegetarian items. Compliance is being strictly monitored.
During the inspection, officials conducted on the spot awareness sessions for food business operators and consumers. They emphasized the importance of temperature control for frozen products and warned against the use of unpermitted colours in food items.
The Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Food Safety Jammu, said it remains committed to protecting consumer health and will continue its campaign against adulteration and unsafe food practices.(KNS)
