Srinagar, Mar 28: High Court on Wednesday directed the government to file compliance report on steps taken to implement Food Safety and Standard Act, 2006 and Food Safety and Standards Rules, 2011.
The HC directed the Divisional Commissioners Kashmir and Jammu, and Commissioner Food Safety J&K to file compliance report within two weeks, while issuing notice to the government to file reply within same period.
A division bench comprising Justices Virender Singh and Muzaffar Hussain Attar passed the direction on a Public Interest Litigation filed by Advocate Sheikh Muhammad Ayoub, seeking directions for implementation of Food Safety Standards Act 2006 and Food Safety & Standards Rules 2011.
The counsel argued the non-implementation of the Act and the Rules by the state is a grave issue and requires to be taken with seriousness.
He argued that the Food Safety Act 2006 and Food Safety & Standards Rules of 2011 provide that the post of Commissioner Food Safety should be manned by a person of Commissioner Secretary rank, while in J&K an Incharge Drug Controller has been assigned the job, who according to the counsel, lacks the basic eligibility and qualification.
“The present incumbent is not competent to hold the post and sanction any prosecution” he argued, adding that the respondent “is not in a position to take any action against the person found guilty under the Act and Rules.”
“Adulterated food items are openly sold and many spices and edibles in the market are unsafe for consumption as the Act and Rules have not been implemented” he argued.
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