Comply with FSSAI rules: FDA to FBOs

Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a stringent public notice mandating all Food Business Operators (FBOs) to adhere to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) guidelines regarding the sale of frozen raw meat, chicken, and related products.
The notice emphasizes that no packaged meat products may be sold without complete and accurate labeling, with violations leading to severe penalties, stock seizures, or imprisonment under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The FDA outlines definitions for various types of meat: ‘fresh meat’ is defined as unprocessed meat sold shortly after slaughter; ‘chilled meat’ must be maintained between 0°C and 4°C for short-term storage; and ‘frozen meat’ must be stored at -18°C or lower for long-term preservation. It is specified that frozen meat products should be consumed within twelve months of freezing, and establishments must have calibrated temperature monitoring devices to ensure compliance. Labeling requirements are detailed, mandating that every package of frozen meat or chicken includes essential information such as the product name, ingredient list, non-vegetarian status, net quantity, batch number, manufacturing date, expiry date, storage conditions, and the manufacturer’s details along with the FSSAI license number and logo. For e-commerce sales, products must have at least 30% of their shelf life remaining or a minimum of 45 days before expiry at the time of delivery, with all mandatory information accessible to consumers prior to purchase. The FDA warns that non-compliance will result in strict enforcement actions, including substantial fines for various violations, such as up to Rs 5 lakh for sub-standard products and up to Rs 10 lakh for operating without an FSSAI license. Offenses involving unsafe food may lead to imprisonment for up to six years and fines. The commissioner has urged all FBOs to promptly review and enhance their operations to ensure compliance, maintain accurate records, and remove any non-compliant products from sale. Failure to comply will result in immediate legal action without further notice.