SRINAGAR: On the basis of specific inputs received by the Commissioner of Food Safety J&K, a team of Food Safety Officers, Designated Officer Srinagar raided the premises of a dealer who was involved in possible relabeling of damaged or expired edible oil.

During the spot inspection, it surfaced that the party of defaulters were emptying damaged and expired 5 Litre Packs/Cans of Edible Mustard Oil (Vinakya Brand) and illegally filled into non-food grade drums and barrels otherwise used for fungicides and insecticides for possible relabeling or resale.

1500 Litres was seized from the premises and 2500 Litres was recovered from a nearby godown. Samples of same were also lifted for Laboratory Analysis.

Similarly, in Jammu, a team inspected the premises of M/s Hindustan Coca Cola Beverages Pvt Ltd, Gangyal Jammu and lifted the samples of sweetened carbonated water of brand Fanta and seized the available stock of 1605 boxes containing 14,445 bottles of 2 litre each. Consequently, lab reports declared them misbranded on analysis.  Later, the prosecution against the firm was launched. After hearings, the Court decided the case and imposed a penalty of Rs 3 lakh against M/s Hindustan Coca-cola Beverages Pvt Ltd, Gangyal Jammu and passed an order for destruction of seized stock of said product which cost Rs 8, 14,728.

Meanwhile, taking cognizance of apprehensions of using synthetic food colour , this week, Commissionerate conducted rigorous inspections and market checking in Food Markets of various parts of Srinagar district, during which 01 quintals Wazwaan prepared with synthetic food colours and 200 litre of spoilt milk were destroyed on the spot and also, ten samples were lifted during the drive.

Food Business Operators have been warned to desist from the malpractice of Food Adulteration; otherwise, stern action under FSS Act shall be initiated against them.