ANANTNAG: The Food Safety Department (FSD) of District Anantnag, conducted a significant drive to evaluate compliance with Schedule-IV and other provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA), 2006, along with its associated regulations.

The inspection targeted several renowned hotels and restaurants in the Pahalgam area, including Hotel Pine and Peak, Hotel Radisson, Hotel Heavan, Hotel Grand Heritage, Hotel Abshar, and Hotel Outlook.

During the inspection, it was discovered that some establishments were not adhering to good manufacturing and hygienic practices. Issues such as inadequate hygiene sanitation, lack of protective gear for food handlers, improper waste disposal systems, and the use of non-food grade materials were identified.

Consequently, notices have been issued to seven hotels/restaurants found to be operating in contravention of FSSA 2006. They are required to provide explanations as to why their licenses should not be suspended due to observed non-compliance.

Furthermore, as part of the drive, fifteen food business operators in the area have been registered for the Repurpose Used Cooking Oil (RUCO) initiative. This initiative, supported by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), involves the collection of used cooking oil from food business operators by authorized aggregators for the production of biodiesel through the Ministry of Petroleum of India.

Additionally, efforts were made to raise awareness among the general public about RUCO and the detrimental effects of repeated use of cooking mediums during the drive.

This initiative underscores the commitment of the Food Safety Department to uphold the highest standards of food safety and hygiene in the region.