Visuals of shabby food outlets which emerged in public domain due to surprise inspection of various Food and Beverage Organizations (FBO) operating near Jammu Railway Station by officers of District Administration Jammu are appalling and reflect utter neglect of designated Food Safety wing of Drugs and Food Control Organization (DCFO) in ensuring sale of eateries as per food safety standards. Unhygienic food practices in food establishments pose several health risks to consumers and lowering guards against these practices results in contamination of food with harmful bacteria, viruses and pathogens, leading to several medical complications which in extreme cases turn fatal. With an objective to ensure availability of safe as well as quality food items for citizens, the FSSAI has set a framework under Food Safety and Standard Act, 2006 and Rules and Regulations 2011 for operation of food establishments and penal actions for willful violators, besides appointing designated authorities for effective implementation and supervision.
Sadly, the scenario of shabby sanitation, especially inside kitchens, improper storage and handling of food items in majority of food and beverage organizations in Jammu and Kashmir shows that the FSA wing of Drugs and Food Control Organization is still in its infancy stage despite coming into existence almost 15 years ago. Sale of unhygienic food items with prolonged impunity along roadside and nallahs in the twin cities of Kashmir as well as Jammu besides sale of adulterated food items, shows a lack of commitment and determination in enforcing the FSS Act 2006 in letter and spirit. The worst is happening in rural areas, canteens of educational premises and dhabas as well as restaurants operating in tourists’ destinations, which are silently taking its toll on health of citizens.
With the proliferation of food outlets besides sale of substandard food items which pose significant health risks ranging from food poisoning to cancer, the FSA, which is generally known for its symbolic exercise during Eid and Diwali festivals, must pull its socks and increase regular and random inspections. Enough funds have been utilized for Information, Education and Communication activities to educate FBOs about FSSAI laws. Now it’s time to proceed under law against the erring traders. In the Kashmir region, the teams of Food Safety wing on a routine basis are carrying extensive checking of eateries and food items sold in markets by vendors as well as food outlets. The same is conspicuous by its absence in the Jammu region, where it seems the concerned department is under duress from certain trade bodies.
This is unacceptable when health is notably considered as wealth, which is impossible until consumers provide safe food items. For availability of safe and hygienic food items, the designated department, instead of periodic action, must adopt a comprehensive approach towards this grim problem and address food adulteration through frequent checking and imposing heavy fines on defaulters. The officials of Food Safety wing of DFCO, Jammu need to derive inspiration from Ms. Ansuya Jamwal, ADC, Jammu, whose relentless campaign against shabby eateries has transformed several incorrigible food outlets in the city. Least but not last, the officials of FSA, Jammu must not hesitate to put in public domain the details of establishments and traders who are notorious for playing with consumers’ lives by selling spurious, unhealthy and unhygienic food items.