Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Feb 8: Aghast over the casual approach adopted by the Government in controlling supply of substandard and adulterated food for public, High Court today sought list of all registered as well as unregistered food preparing units in the State.
The Division Bench of Justice Mohammad Yaqoob Mir and Justice Ali Mohammad Magrey took serious note about the submission made by the Senior Counsel B A Bashir in the PIL that uncovered and unhygienic food is being sold on streets by vendors and the authorities who pass off and on through these streets are watching the whole process as mute spectators.
DB directed the concerned authorities to submit the list of all registered and unregistered units operating in the State which are dealing with spice branding. Court also directed that besides the list, those units which are operating without any registration must be closed down and sealed forthwith.
Court also directed for swift action and control over food adulteration across the State and directed that all the Assistant Commissioners of Food shall submit the list of these units in respect of their districts before the court by next date.
Court also directed the authorities including SMC to take samples of food from vendors and directed for penal and preventive action
Court also directed Food Safety Commissioner and Commissioner Srinagar Municipal Corporation and all Assistant Food Commissioners of all district to be present in the court on next date of hearing to suggest plan of action for controlling food adulteration.
These directions followed after the amicus to the PIL Advocate Bashir submitted before the court that as per reports 70% of increase in cancer in the State is because of adulterated and substandard food which is supplied to the general masses. It is 100% lawlessness in the entire State, he submitted and somebody should be made accountable.
He informed the court that 80% roads are occupied by the street vendors who are selling uncovered, unhygienic food items to the public and authorities are watching as mute spectators.
Court has been informed that recently during the checking process two units – Idrees Enterprises in Industrial Estate at Bagi Ali Mardan Khan, Srinagar and one at Mughal Mohalla Rainawari, Srinagar under the proprietary-ship of one Bashir Ahmad Makroo – have been found preparing adulterated spice items as per interim testing report and subsequently 45 quintals of spice material has been seized and units sealed.
It has been further submitted that the samples of the spice material has been sent for test analysis and reports are awaited. Court directed that whatever report from food analysis Kashmir is obtained, the same be produced before the court and these units shall not be de-sealed till further orders.
State counsel also informed the court the post of Food Safety Commissioner has been created and sanctioned along with its staff but the appointment of Commissioner FSC is yet to be made and same is likely to be discussed in upcoming Cabinet meet possibly.
Court in this regard directed the authorities to ensure suitable officer be placed as Food Safety Commissioner. Regarding the staff in Food Safety Tribunals (FSTs) in Kashmir and Jammu Division, it has been submitted that the required posted have been referred to SSB of proper recruitment.
Court directed till the regular staff is appointed the interim arrangement shall be made for FSTs so that the tribunals function shall not be affected.
Court also directed for revisiting of both the laboratories which have earlier been visited by the appointed officers as to whether the deficiencies pointed out earlier have been removed or not.
Follow our WhatsApp channel