DC Jammu launches bold initiative to expose unsafe food practices in hotels
Vikram Sharma
JAMMU: To safeguard public health and ensure food quality in eateries, the government has introduced a dedicated food safety helpline 104 specifically for those who frequently eat at hotels, restaurants, and street food stalls. If any consumer feels that the food served is stale, unhygienic, or harmful, they can immediately call this helpline to register a complaint.
The initiative was officially launched by District Deputy Commissioner (DC) Sachin Kumar Vaishya, who assured that swift and strict action would follow every verified complaint. Upon receiving a report, a team from the administration will promptly visit the location, investigate the matter, and take necessary action against the establishment if the allegations are found to be true.
This is the first time such a step has been taken in Jammu, and it is expected to bring significant relief to the public, especially those who frequently dine out.
The decision to launch this helpline comes after multiple campaigns and inspections conducted across various parts of the city in response to growing public complaints. Many customers had earlier raised concerns about being served low-quality or spoiled food. Some even reported being forced to pay for substandard meals without any replacement or refund when they voiced their concerns.
During recent inspections, particularly after the onset of summer, teams led by Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Anasuya Jamwal and Rakesh Kumar uncovered several violations in food safety standards.
It was found that some restaurant and hotel operators were blatantly compromising on food hygiene for the sake of profit. These findings prompted fines and other corrective actions by the administration.
To spread awareness, DC Jammu has directed that stickers displaying the helpline number (104) will soon be placed in all hotels, restaurants, and street food shops. These stickers must remain visible to the public, and any attempt by business owners to remove them will lead to strict penalties.
Additionally, if any consumer suffers from food poisoning after consuming food at such establishments, they are encouraged to report the incident via the helpline. This proactive step aims to ensure accountability and uphold food safety standards across the city, ultimately empowering citizens to take action against unsafe food practices.
