MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): In light of the orders of the Supreme Court of Azad Kashmir, the Food Directorate has directed the District Food Controllers of all districts to ensure immediate registration of local mineral water brands.
Physical inspection of mineral water units should be done, and laboratory analysis of quality should be done; a surety bond of Rs. 5 lakh should be taken from each unit as is applicable in the milk business.
Strict action should be taken by closing down unregistered and substandard plants. The preparation stages and cleanliness standards of all fast food points (Shawarma, Burger, etc.) should be checked.
The Food Directorate has directed that the backward traceability quality of the ingredients used at these places should be checked thoroughly.
Immediate action should be taken against the business owners using glass, unhealthy, or substandard meat/chicken and they should be sealed and they should not be de-sealed until there are court orders.
All wedding halls and marquees should be made to abide by the rules and regulations of the Food Authority. SOPs related to food preparation, serving storage and cleanliness should be formulated and strictly implemented.
In case of violation, legal action, fines and sealing measures should be taken, detailed inspection of bread and chicken shops should be carried out to see that the slaughtered meat is in accordance with the hygiene rules.
Legal action should be taken against the relevant shops for selling substandard or unsafe meat. Samples of frozen items (chicken samosa, rolls, frozen chicken/meat etc.) sold in all districts should be obtained and laboratory analysis should be done.
Immediate seizure of substandard and unhealthy items should be taken and legal action should be taken. The cleanliness of the freezer and the staff working there should be checked.
