MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): In view of the arrival of Ramazan, the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Food Authority has tightened the surveillance process at the entry points of the state to ensure the safety of public health.
In this regard, a large quantity of unregistered and uncertified food items supplied without laboratory reports was seized during a major operation at the Kohala entry point.
Blockade and inspection at the Kohala entry point
According to the details, Assistant Food Controller Raja Muhammad Hanif and Food Safety Officers Raja Zia Javed and Chaudhry Kabir Ahmed, along with their supporting staff, carried out a blockade at Kohala.
During the operation, a detailed check of the food supply vehicles was carried out, in which the labeling of the vehicles, expiration dates, and the overall quality of the items were closely inspected.
Recovery of substandard items and legal action
During the inspection, juices, spices, pickles, and noodles were recovered from several vehicles that were not registered with the Food Authority and did not have authentic laboratory reports.
For not presenting documents, all the items were seized on the spot under the Food Authority Act and Pure Food Regulations, and legal action has been initiated against the responsible parties.
Checking of food points and fines
In continuation of the operation, the team also inspected various food points of Kohala and Chhatarklas. During the inspection, the cleanliness situation was found to be unsatisfactory at some places, while some businesses were being run without registration.
Heavy fines were imposed on the relevant food business operators for violating the rules, and clear instructions were issued to them to improve the quality.
Authorities’ strict stance and public appeal
District Food Controller Abrar Ahmed Mir clarified that a strict watch is being kept on the food supply system during Ramadan. He said that only those businesses registered with the authority will be able to operate in Azad Kashmir, and indiscriminate action will continue against violators. The Food Authority has appealed to the public to immediately report unsafe products on the helpline 1280.
