Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 8: Serious concerns have been raised over unhygienic food handling practices at several sweet shops, food outlets and late-night food stalls across Jammu, with calls for stricter monitoring by the Health Department and Food Safety authorities.
SK Sharma, retired Commissioner of Income Tax and Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Jammu and Kashmir Dairy Farmers Association, has highlighted that in many establishments food handlers are seen preparing and serving sweets, snacks and other items without wearing gloves or following basic hygiene precautions.
He said food items are often handled directly with bare hands, increasing the risk of bacterial contamination and food-borne diseases.
He pointed out that the problem is not limited to roadside vendors alone, as even some well-known sweet shops in the city appear to be ignoring basic hygiene standards while continuing their business without adequate concern for public health.
Sharma also expressed concern over the functioning of several late-night food stalls and small eateries where food is prepared and served in unhygienic surroundings without proper hand-washing facilities.
In many cases, he claimed, the food remains exposed to dust, flies and pollution, posing potential health risks to consumers.
He said the absence of regular inspections by food safety authorities raises questions about the enforcement of hygiene regulations.
Sharma urged the Health Department to conduct regular and surprise inspections of sweet shops, restaurants and street food vendors and ensure strict compliance with food safety norms.
He also suggested that strict action, including heavy penalties and suspension of licenses in case of repeated violations, should be taken against establishments failing to maintain hygiene standards.
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