J & K FDA Orders Strict Compliance On Sale Of Frozen Meat, Chicken Products

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) Srinagar- The Commissioner Food & Drug Administration, J&K, has issued a public notice mandating strict compliance with FSSAI guidelines for all businesses dealing with frozen raw meat, chicken, and meat products.

The directive aims to safeguard public health and ensure the highest standards of food safety across the region, said the notice.

The notice applies to a wide range of Food Business Operators (FBOs), including manufacturers, processors, wholesalers, retailers, cold storage operators, transporters, and e-commerce platforms.

The public notice strictly prohibits the sale of packaged food products that lack proper and complete label declarations. It defines fresh meat, chilled meat, and frozen meat based on their storage temperatures and conditions.

It specifies that frozen meat and meat products must be stored and transported at a temperature of -18°C or below at all stages, from production to the point of sale. Short-term chilled storage at 4°C is permissible for a maximum of two to four days before consumption.

Read Also HC Seeks Govt's Response On Rotten Meat In J&K Rotten Meat Scandal- FDA: No One Can Be Named Until Lab Reports Arrive

Notice further reads that, All establishments must be equipped with calibrated temperature monitoring devices and maintain accurate records for inspections.

The Notice warns that non-compliance will result in strict enforcement action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. This includes the seizure of non-compliant stock and monetary penalties.

The penalties can be as high as ₹5 lakh for sub-standard products , ₹3 lakh for misbranded products or missing label declarations , and ₹10 lakh for operating without an FSSAI license. The notice also clarifies that offenses involving unsafe food are punishable with imprisonment for up to six years, along with a fine of up to ₹5 lakh.

FBOs are required to immediately upgrade their operations, ensure full compliance, maintain updated records, and remove non-compliant products from their outlets and online platforms. The notice states that failure to comply will result in swift legal action without any further notice.

During past weeks food safety departments continue checking on food items, meat and chicken items unearthed rotten meat scandal in which 12000kg of unstandared meat was destroyed.

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