ADC Kupwara Reviews District Food Safety Framework – Alfaaz – The Words

Kupwara: Additional Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, Gulzar Ahmad Khan, on Monday chaired a meeting of the District Advisory Committee on Safe Food and Healthy Diets under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, following directions of the Deputy Commissioner Kupwara.

The meeting reviewed the existing food safety framework in the district, with emphasis on ensuring the supply of safe and hygienic food to residents. Discussions focused on strengthening regulatory oversight and improving enforcement mechanisms across food establishments.

Key issues included regulation of slaughterhouses, routine inspection of meat shops, hotels, and roadside eateries, and authorization and monitoring of street food vendors. The committee also examined the district’s preparedness to handle food safety emergencies and assessed the need for shifting high risk food manufacturing units operating in industrial estates.

The ADC underlined the need for timely disposal of food safety adjudication cases and called for effective execution of Eat Right initiatives to promote healthy dietary practices. The meeting also discussed Information, Education and Communication activities aimed at increasing public awareness on food safety standards and responsible consumption.

Enforcement measures such as inspections, food sampling, prosecution of violators, and adjudication processes were reviewed to ensure compliance with statutory norms. The committee also deliberated on mechanisms for swift response and redressal in the event of food safety incidents to safeguard public health.

The meeting was attended by the Chief Medical Officer, Chief Agriculture Officer, District Programme Education Officer, Assistant Director Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Assistant Commissioner Food Safety, Food Analyst, and other concerned officials.