KOTLI (Kashmir English): The Azad Jammu and Kashmir Food Authority (AJKFA) Kotli team recently inspected the University of Kotli’s main and new campuses, uncovering significant food safety violations.
During the operation, 20 liters of substandard and stale frying oil were destroyed on the spot, while 15 liters of ketchup, 12 liters of slash flavors, 34 pieces of shawarma dough, and 53 bottles of energy drinks were seized by the Food Authority team. The total value of the seized items was approximately Rs 32,000.
The food business operators were fined Rs 20,000, and an Emergency Prohibition Order (EPO) was issued on the spot, imposing an immediate ban on the manufacture and sale of substandard food.
The operation was carried out by a team comprising District Food Controller/Food Safety Officer Nazem Akram, Food Analyst Muhammad Jalil, and Assistant Food Safety Officer Sardar Khurshid.
According to a Food Authority spokesperson, the operation was carried out under the provisions of Section 13, Section 18 (Emergency Prohibition Order), Section 22 (Sale of substandard or unhealthy food), and Section 29 of the AJK Food Authority Act, 2017.
Furthermore, violations of food quality, oil usage, and hygiene norms were also found under the AJK Pure Food Regulations, 2019.
The spokesperson said that the Food Authority will not compromise on the quality of food items sold in educational institutions. Ensuring the health and safety of students is the top priority of the institution.
