Srinagar, May 1: The license of a milk unit in Bijbehara, Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir, was suspended on Friday due to violations of safety regulations. An official statement confirmed the action.
The license for a milk collection unit operating in Semthan, Bijbehara, was revoked after a video surfaced showing unsafe handling of milk. An inspection following the video revealed multiple regulatory breaches.
According to an order issued by the Assistant Commissioner and designated Food Safety Officer of Anantnag, the action was taken after a video circulated on social media. In the footage, an employee of the firm, Bulk Milk Cooler (JKMPCL), was seen tasting milk with his tongue and then returning the remaining milk to containers meant for public consumption.
The order stated that based on this video, an authorized food safety officer inspected the premises on April 29 to ensure compliance with relevant legal provisions. The inspection report highlighted several deficiencies, leading to the recommendation for license suspension.
Recorded violations included the storage of chemicals such as diesel and cleaning agents in the milk storage and cooler sections, the use of non-food-grade plastic containers for handling milk, uncovered water storage tanks, and a lack of proper hygiene practices within the facility.
The order emphasized that processing and storing high-risk food items under such conditions violates Schedule Four of the Food Safety and Standards Act, posing a threat to public health.
Exercising powers under Section 36 of the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006, the designated officer suspended the unit’s license with immediate effect until further notice.
The operator has also been instructed to cease any activities within the premises until further directives are issued.
Authorities in Kashmir are conducting food safety audits of various establishments dealing with essential goods like medicines and food items to ensure consumer safety.
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