Srinagar : Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), Rajit Punhani, Tuesday chaired an interactive session with the representatives of Food Business Operators (FBOs), trade and industry associations and other stakeholders at the SKICC, Srinagar.
They discussed issues related to food safety, regulatory compliance, testing infrastructure, training and ease of doing business in Jammu and Kashmir.
The session was attended by Devesh Kumar Mahla, Director, Northern Region, FSSAI; Khalid Jahangir, Commissioner, Food & Drugs Administration, J&K; Joint Commissioner Food Safety, Deputy Commissioners Food Safety, Jammu/Kashmir and other senior officers of the Department.
Representatives of Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Hotels and Restaurants Associations, Confederation of All India Traders, All Kashmir Houseboat Owners Association, Kashmir Bakers and Confectioners Association, Federation of Trade and Industry, Spices Industries Kashmir besides other trade bodies and Food Business Operators participated in the interaction. They shared their concerns and suggestions regarding the licensing, food testing, training, regulatory compliance and other matters concerning the food business sector.
The interaction also focused on licensing, registration, training and capacity building of Food Business Operators and other issues relating to food safety regulations.
The CEO encouraged the FBOs to participate in FSSAI training programmes and comply with the prescribed food safety standards and regulatory requirements.
While appreciating the role of the FDA, J&K, in streamlining the licensing and registration process and facilitating ease of doing business, the representatives of various trade bodies informed that the Food Business Operators are increasingly adopting the prescribed food safety and quality standards and working towards achieving conformity with the applicable requirements. They requested FDA, J&K, to continue its supportive, facilitative and handholding approach, with greater emphasis on guidance and compliance while taking necessary enforcement action wherever required. The participating associations and FBOs assured their full cooperation with FDA, J&K and FSSAI in strengthening food safety compliance. They also appreciated the Department’s efforts in conducting training and awareness programmes and providing handholding support, particularly to hotels, restaurants and bakery establishments. The stakeholders stated that these initiatives have contributed to improved awareness and better compliance with the food safety requirements.
The participants were also sensitized about the provisions related to foods high in fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) in and around school premises and encouraged to promote healthier food choices.
The CEO emphasized the importance of consumer awareness regarding food quality and responsible selection of food products. He advised the FBOs and trade associations to regularly follow the official digital platforms of FSSAI and FDA, J&K, for regulatory updates, advisories, guidelines and other information relating the food safety and compliance.
The CEO assured technical and financial support from FSSAI for strengthening the laboratory network and enhancing testing facilities in the Union Territory. He also appreciated the proposal to utilize the specialized facilities and technical expertise available at the institutions such as IUST and SKUAST to supplement the testing capacity of FDA laboratories.
Rajit Punhani called for sustained efforts to strengthen the food safety surveillance and enforcement, maintaining regulatory oversight and facilitating compliance among Food Business Operators. He reiterated FSSAI’s commitment to extend necessary technical and financial assistance to Jammu & Kashmir for improving food safety governance.
Commissioner, FDA, J&K, informed that the process for upgrading the testing capacity of the existing food laboratories has been initiated and to cover wider range of food commodities and testing parameters. The Department has set a target of expanding the testing capacity to cover 3,500 NABL parameters by March 2027 and 5,000 parameters thereafter, enabling comprehensive testing. Further around 10,000 Food Business Operators will be trained during current financial year through 160 training and awareness sessions.
