ANANTNAG: Food Safety department Anantnag today seized 150 Kgs of suspected dates and procured various samples of dates for detailed analysis from NABL Accredited Laboratory.

The dates were seized during a joint market inspection conducted in different markets of the district by a team comprising officials from Food Safety Department, Anantnag, FCS&CA, and Legal Metrology Department Anantnag in view of the holy month of Ramadan.

During the inspection, 06 petty FBOs found violating different provisions of Food Safety & Standards Act, 2006 were recommended for compounding under Section 69 of Food Safety & Standards Act, 2006.

The comprehensive inspections targeted establishments dealing with sale/trade of dates, fresh fruit and vegetables and other edible stores with a focus on checking availability of safe and wholesome food to general public as per the mandate of Food Safety & Standards Act, 2006/ Regulations thereunder and enforcing price and weight controls for the benefit of consumers.

Meanwhile, the inspection team cautioned the general public regarding the purchase of food items which are not properly labelled as per law.

Furthermore, authorities assured that regular inspections will continue in the district to ensure availability of quality food items, curb malpractices, ensure fair pricing and protect consumer interests.