Administration warns of penalties, seizure, imprisonment for violations of food safety, labeling and storage norms
WAJAHAT SHABIR
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir administration has issued fresh directions to all Food Business Operators (FBOs) — including manufacturers, processors, wholesalers, retailers, cold storage operators, transporters and e-commerce platforms — to strictly adhere to the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and the Packaging and Labeling Regulations, 2020 in the handling and sale of frozen raw meat, chicken and meat products.
Authorities have warned that any violation of labeling, storage or safety rules will attract heavy fines, seizure of stock, and even imprisonment under food safety laws.
A circular in this regard has been issued by Drug & Food Control Organization Jammu and Kashmir.
In the interest of safeguarding public health and ensuring the highest standards of food safety, all Food Business Operators (FBOs) including manufacturers, processors, wholesalers, retailers, cold storage operators, transporters, and e-commerce platforms are hereby directed to strictly comply with the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labeling) Regulations, 2020 with regard to the handling, storage, distribution, and sale of frozen raw meat, Chicken and meat products.
The sale of such packaged food products without proper and complete label declaration are strictly prohibited. “Fresh Meat means meat” that has not been treated in any way to ensure its preservation and it is sold soon after. “Chilled Meat means”- Fresh meat subjected to chilling in such a way that the product attains and is maintained at a temperature between 0°C and 4°C for extending short-term shelf life.
“Frozen Meat means”- Meat that has been previously chilled and then subjected to freezing in appropriate equipment so that the product attains a temperature of –18°C or lower to preserve the meat for long-term storage and transportation. The Frozen meat and meat products must be stored and transported at a temperature of –18°C or below at all stages, from production to the point of sale.
Short-term chilled storage at 4°C is permissible only for a maximum of two to four days prior to consumption. Products stored at –18°C or below should be consumed within twelve months from the date of freezing. All establishments must be equipped with calibrated temperature monitoring devices and must maintain accurate documentary and digital records for verification during inspections In accordance with the Packaging and Labeling Regulations, 2020, every package of frozen meat/chicken must display the following mandatory particulars clearly and legibly: Name of the food product. Complete list of ingredients.
Declaration of non-vegetarian status with the prescribed symbol. Net quantity. Batch or lot number Date of manufacture/packing. “Expiry” or “Use By” date. Storage conditions. Name and complete address of the manufacturer, packer, or importer. FSSAI license number and logo.
For products sold through e-commerce platforms, the shelf life at the time of delivery must be not less than 30% of the total shelf life or a minimum of forty-five (45) days before expiry, whichever is earlier. All mandatory information must be accessible to consumers prior to purchase, and indicative images of the product must be displayed online. Packaging materials must be of food-grade quality, safe, non-toxic, and compliant with FSSAI standards to prevent contamination.
Besides, any product labeled as Halal Certified (voluntary) must meet all FSSAI safety, hygiene, and labeling requirements.
Non-compliance to aforementioned requirements/conditions will attract strict enforcement action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 ; rules/regulations made there under, which may include, Seizure of non-compliant stock as well as monetary penalties of Up to ₹5 lakh for sub-standard products (Section 51), Up to ₹3 lakh for misbranded products or missing label declarations (Section 52), Up to ₹1 lakh for insanitary conditions (Section 56), Up to ₹2 lakhs for without FSSAI registration (Section 48), Up to ₹10 lakh without FSSAI License (Section 63).
Furthermore, offenses involving unsafe food are punishable with imprisonment for a term of up to six years, along with a fine of up to ₹5 lakh, in terms of Section 59(iii) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. All FBOs must immediately review/upgrade their operations, ensure proper compliance, maintain updated records, and remove or delist any non-compliant products from online and offline sales platforms. Failure to comply will result in swift legal action without any kind of further notice.
