Associated News Bureau

FDA J&K Conducts UT-Wide Drive to Enforce Food Safety Norms Among Street Vendors , 395 Vendors Inspected; 38 Cases Compounded, Rs 50,500 Fine Imposed; 68 Cases Recommended for Statutory Action

SRINAGAR, OCTOBER 6: The Food & Drugs Administration (FDA), Jammu and Kashmir, has conducted a Union Territory-wide enforcement, inspection and awareness drive among street food vendors across all districts to strengthen compliance with food safety standards and ensure the availability of safe, hygienic and wholesome food to consumers. According to an official communication issued by the Office of the Commissioner, Food & Drugs Administration, J&K, a total of 395 street food vendors were inspected during the drive. The inspections focused on personal hygiene of food handlers, cleanliness and sanitation at vending sites, safe handling and storage of food, use of food-grade utensils and packaging materials, and proper management of cooking oil. During the enforcement exercise, 38 cases were compounded under Section 69 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, with a cumulative fine of ₹50,500 imposed. Besides, 68 cases were recommended for appropriate statutory action before the concerned Adjudicating Authorities, including Additional Deputy Commissioners of the respective districts, based on the nature and gravity of the violations detected. Of these, 39 cases were registered under Section 56, which provides for a penalty of up to ₹1 lakh for unhygienic or insanitary processing or manufacturing of food. Another 29 cases were recommended under Section 58, which provides for a penalty of up to ₹2 lakh for violations involving the use of non-food-grade utensils or packaging materials. The enforcement drive also led to the destruction of approximately 130 kilograms of unsuitable food and snack items in accordance with the prescribed procedure. 92 Awareness Sessions Held Alongside enforcement action, the FDA placed significant emphasis on educating and sensitising street food vendors about food safety and hygiene requirements. A total of 92 awareness and sensitisation sessions were conducted across Jammu and Kashmir. Vendors were educated about personal hygiene, cleanliness of vending premises, safe food handling and storage practices, and the use of food-grade utensils and packaging materials. They were also sensitised about the risks associated with non-food-grade materials, including newspapers, for wrapping food, as well as the prohibition on unauthorised synthetic food colours, prevention of cross-contamination and proper management and disposal of used cooking oil. 75 Cooking Oil Samples Tested The FDA also focused on the safe management and testing of used cooking oil through Digital Oil Testing Meters. During the drive, 75 cooking oil samples were tested, and all were found to be within the permissible limits. The FDA reported that none of the samples recorded Total Polar Compounds (TPC) exceeding the prescribed limit of 25 per cent. The exercise was aimed at promoting responsible management of cooking oil and discouraging the repeated use of degraded oil by street food vendors. FDA Urges Vendors to Ensure Compliance The Food & Drugs Administration, J&K, reiterated that street food vendors constitute an important part of the food supply chain and provide consumers with a wide range of local and traditional food items. The vendors were advised to proactively comply with prescribed food safety and hygiene requirements and extend full cooperation to FDA officials during inspections and awareness programmes. Consumers Can Report Unsafe Food The FDA has also urged consumers to report suspected cases of unsafe or adulterated food. Complaints can be registered through the toll-free helpline 104 or by email at cfsjandk.fnd@jk.gov.in.The official communication was issued by the Food & Drugs Administration, J&K, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, on October 6, 2026.