FDA issues advisory to FBOs on safe procurement and use of Milk Products

Convener News Desk

SRINAGAR, JUNE, 25: In view of the extensive consumption of milk and milk products by the general public and their widespread use in hotels, restaurants, catering establishments, cafes, sweet shops, bakeries and other food vending establishments, the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), Jammu & Kashmir, has issued an advisory to all Food Business Operators (FBOs) regarding the procurement, storage, use and sale of milk and milk products.

Commissioner, Food and Drugs Administration, J&K, Khalid Jahangir, stated that Food Business Operators must adhere to the prescribed standards and safety norms while procuring and using milk and milk products to ensure food safety, consumer protection and public health.

The advisory states that it has come to the notice of the authorities that in certain instances milk products, particularly Paneer, Ghee and Khoa/Mawa, are being procured, supplied or used without adequate disclosure of the procurement chain, quality assurance mechanisms and traceability records. Such practices may pose serious risks to public health and can mislead consumers regarding the quality and authenticity of food being served.

In this regard, all Food Business Operators, especially hotels, restaurants, catering establishments, cafes, sweet shops, tea stalls, dhabas, itinerant vendors and food vending establishments, have been advised to strictly adhere to the guidelines and instructions issued through the advisory on key compliance parameters viz. Procurement and traceability of milk and milk products, their notified Standards and Regulatory Compliance with packaging and labelling requirements, consumer information, menu disclosure and Food Safety Display Boards.

The advisory reiterates that under the Food Safety and Standards Regulations, it is prohibited to sell or serve milk containing added water; dahi/curd not prepared from boiled, pasteurized or sterilized milk; skimmed milk as regular milk; milk and milk products containing substances not naturally found in milk, except where specifically permitted under the regulations.

The advisory issued by the Food & Drugs Administration further emphasized that compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and regulations framed thereunder is mandatory for all Food Business Operators and all stakeholders dealing in milk and milk products were called upon to strictly adhere to food safety standards and departmental advisories issued from time to time in the interest of public health and consumer welfare.

The Commissioner also appealed to consumers to remain vigilant, read labels and display boards carefully, and report any concerns regarding the quality or safety of food products. Complaints may be lodged through the Toll-Free Number 104, by email at cfsjandk.fnd@jk.gov.in, or through the FSSAI consumer grievance portal https://foscos.fssai.gov.in/consumergrievance.