Srinagar. The license of a milk unit in Bijbehara town of Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir was suspended on Friday due to violation of rules. This information was given in an official statement in this regard. The license of a milk collection unit operating in Semthan, Bijbehara was suspended after a video surfaced showing milk being handled in an unsafe manner and subsequent inspection found several violations, the statement said. According to an order issued by the Assistant Commissioner and Designated Officer, Food Safety, Anantnag, the action was taken after a video was found on social media. The video showed an employee of a firm called Bulk Milk Coolers (JKMPCL) tasting milk with his tongue and then pouring the remaining milk back into containers that were kept for general public consumption.
The order said that based on this video, an authorized food safety officer inspected the premises on April 29 to ensure compliance with the relevant provisions of the law. The inspection report highlighted several deficiencies and recommended suspension of the license.
Violations recorded included storage of chemicals including diesel and cleaning agents in the milk storage and cooler section, use of non-food-grade plastic containers in handling milk, water storage tanks without lids or covers, and lack of proper sanitation practices at the facility.
The order said that processing and storage of high-risk foods under such circumstances is considered a violation of Schedule Four of the Food Safety and Standards Act and may pose a threat to public health.
In exercise of his powers under Section 36 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, the designated officer has suspended the license of the unit with immediate effect until further orders.
The operator has also been directed not to carry out any activity within the said premises until further instructions.
Authorities in Kashmir are conducting food safety audits of several entities dealing in essential commodities like medicines, food items, etc., to ensure the safety of consumers.
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