Ramban: Deputy Commissioner Ramban, Mohammad Alyas Khan, who is also the Chairperson of the District Level Advisory Committee (DLAC) on Safe Food & Healthy Diets, Wednesday reviewed the implementation and monitoring of food safety norms in the district.
The meeting was attended by the General Manager DIC; Designated Officer Food Safety; Chief Agriculture Officer; Chief Education Officer; Chief Medical Officer; Deputy Superintendent of Police; officials from the Food & Supplies Department; Food Safety Officer; representatives of consumer organizations and Food Business Operators (FBOs).
The Deputy Commissioner emphasized strict enforcement of Food Safety and Standards Act regulations and ensuring the availability of safe and hygienic food to the public.
He directed the Food Safety Officer to intensify inspections, particularly of unregistered FBOs, initiate action against violators and organise awareness campaigns for registration and timely renewal of licenses. He stressed the need for regular sampling and inspections, giving a clear message that sale of substandard or unsafe food will not be tolerated. The enforcement departments were directed to meet targets related to Food sampling with special focus on sweet shops, dhabas and tea stalls.
The Deputy Commissioner directed the stakeholder departments to launch an awareness drive to sensitize the public about safe food options and healthy dietary habits.
The Chief Education Officer was asked to ensure that Mid-Day Meals are prepared and served using fortified food materials. The PO ICDS was directed to procure only fortified and verified food items to serve to children in Anganwadi centres. Additionally, he asked to ensure strict enforcement of ban on selling tobacco products within a 100-metre radius of educational institutions.
