KISHTWAR, AUGUST 07: A meeting of the District Level Advisory Committee (DLAC) on Food Safety and Healthy Diets was today held under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kishtwar Pankaj Kumar Sharma here in the Meeting Hall, New DC Office Complex.

The Deputy Commissioner reviewed the measures in place to ensure the availability of quality food to the public and the effective implementation and monitoring of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

At the outset, the DC took a comprehensive review of the functioning and achievements of the Food Safety Department, including the activities carried out. A detailed discussion was held on issues related to food safety standards, hygiene practices and compliance by Food Business Operators (FBOs) in the district.

The meeting was apprised of the current status of food safety measures in the district and the proactive steps undertaken by the department to ensure the supply of safe and healthy food to the public.

The Deputy Commissioner directed the Food Safety Department to ensure 100% installation of glass frames in all mutton and chicken shops by FBOs to enhance hygiene conditions. The Department was asked to conduct special drives to check the quality of milk, milk products, chicken, mutton, poultry and other items on a regular basis. Directions were issued to ensure registration of all food business establishments in the district.

Additionally, the DC emphasized conducting intensive awareness programmes to familiarize the FBOs, including ICDS and MDM workers, regarding fortified food and mandatory registration under the Food Safety and Standards Act. He also directed the CEO and PO ICDS and set a 5-day deadline for the submission of lists of ICDS and MDM workers.

The Deputy Commissioner stressed strict enforcement of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and directed officers to take legal action against FBOs found violating the Act, especially in relation to milk and milk products, honey and ghee.

The Deputy Commissioner directed the DO, Drugs & Food Control Department, to organise a License Registration Mela at Sub-Division Paddar.

The Food Safety Department, Kishtwar, apprised the Deputy Commissioner that 4 milk samples collected within District Kishtwar had failed. The DC directed the department to impose heavy penalties for violations related to milk and milk products.

The meeting was attended by committee members, including ADC Pawan Kotwal; CMO; Designated Officer, Food Safety Farooq Ahmad Sheikh; CMO Dr. Sanjay Bhat; CEO Sanjay Dogra; CAO Kushal Chandel; Food Safety Officer Sajad Hussain; Food Safety Expert, Rajni Devi and Retired Food Safety Officer, Prethpal Singh; besides representatives from consumer organizations, Food Business Associations and enforcement departments.