Ganderbal |: Following the directions of Deputy Commissioner, DC Anantnag S F Hamid and in line with the enforcement strategy of the Food Safety Department to ensure compliance with statutory provisions, a meeting-cum-awareness programme was convened Monday on the Office Chamber of the Assistant Commissioner, Food Safety, Anantnag.
The programme was attended by Food Business Operators (FBOs) engaged in the business of frozen meat and its products in the district.
The primary objective was to reiterate and sensitize the FBOs on their legal obligations with respect to sourcing of meat and its products only from licensed and approved suppliers and maintaining traceability records for every batch procured.
Besides, they were sensitized to adhere to the prescribed cold chain requirements under Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011, including maintaining the specified temperature range to prevent microbial growth and spoilage.
They were informed regarding the compliance with hygienic handling practices, prevention of cross-contamination, and the use of safe food contact materials as mandated under the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011.
During the session, the enforcement team explained the health risks associated with improper storage and handling of frozen meat, including bacterial contamination, food poisoning, and zoonotic disease transmission.
The FBOs present gave a categorical assurance to comply with all statutory provisions, prescribed guidelines, and departmental instructions in letter and spirit.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioners Anantnag directed crackdown on unsafe frozen meat practices.
The general public is hereby advised not to panic and is assured that the Food Safety Department is maintaining continuous market surveillance, carrying out surprise inspections, and taking necessary enforcement action to ensure that only safe and wholesome meat and meat products are made available for public consumption.
