Jammu, March 4 -Minister of State for Health, Shabir Ahmad Khan, has underscored the need for further intensifying market checking to keep a strict vigil over food adulteration in the markets.
The Minister was speaking at the inaugural function of a 5 day orientation programme for Food Safety Officers here on Monday.
Shabir said that the training programme is a pact of mandate of new Food Law aimed at sensitizing the statuary functionaries appointed by the government for effective implementation of the provisions of this new Law introduced in the State in 2011.
The Minister said that the new Act stresses upon self-regulation to achieve its objectives. He highlighted that the new law empowers the common man to get any food item tested from food testing laboratories. He said that the law further provides that the person who has lifted the sample for test shall not have to run from pillar to post to book the offenders as this would be the responsibility of functionaries who have been appointed for the purpose.
The programme has been organized by the State Drug and Food Safety Organization in collaboration with Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, aimed at to sensitize the Food Safety Officers of the State about effective implementation of provisions of new Food Act.
As many as, 82 Food Safety Officers are participating in the workshop who would get an opportunity to learn from the eminent food experts of the country on various topics associated with food safety.
The Minister impressed upon the participants to avail maximum benefit from the programme and adopt a proactive approach to perform their legitimate duties. He also shared with the participants measures of the government for effective implementation of Food Laws. He said that Food Testing Laboratories would be strengthened through a capacity building programme and it shall be ensured that reliability of tests performed by these institutions is enhanced so that the same withstand the audit of appellate institutions.
The Minister said that government has already created 36 new posts in various categories to supplement food regulations. He, however said that the level of enforcement is required to be geared up to meet National index. He expressed satisfaction over the initiatives taken by the Drug and Food Safety Organization in recent times and hoped the good work shall continue with the renewed zeal. He impressed upon the field functionaries to work without any pressure and ensure tangible results in implementation of requisite drug and food Acts for welfare of the people.
The Minister stressed on lifting maximum samples of edibles from the markets for testing to ensure that no adulteration is made. He directed the officers to fine those manufacturers and shopkeepers who indulge in such malpractices and book them under the law without giving any concession. The Act also envisages seal of units and cancellation of their licenses.
The Minister assured the officials of the organization that all their genuine demands would be mitigated in time. He instructed Controller drug and Food Control to ensure that no attachment of the staff is made at any level which affects the working of the area.
Controller Drug and Food Organization, in his address, threw a detailed light on the functioning of the Organization.
The Minister was speaking at the inaugural function of a 5 day orientation programme for Food Safety Officers here on Monday.
Shabir said that the training programme is a pact of mandate of new Food Law aimed at sensitizing the statuary functionaries appointed by the government for effective implementation of the provisions of this new Law introduced in the State in 2011.
The Minister said that the new Act stresses upon self-regulation to achieve its objectives. He highlighted that the new law empowers the common man to get any food item tested from food testing laboratories. He said that the law further provides that the person who has lifted the sample for test shall not have to run from pillar to post to book the offenders as this would be the responsibility of functionaries who have been appointed for the purpose.
The programme has been organized by the State Drug and Food Safety Organization in collaboration with Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, aimed at to sensitize the Food Safety Officers of the State about effective implementation of provisions of new Food Act.
As many as, 82 Food Safety Officers are participating in the workshop who would get an opportunity to learn from the eminent food experts of the country on various topics associated with food safety.
The Minister impressed upon the participants to avail maximum benefit from the programme and adopt a proactive approach to perform their legitimate duties. He also shared with the participants measures of the government for effective implementation of Food Laws. He said that Food Testing Laboratories would be strengthened through a capacity building programme and it shall be ensured that reliability of tests performed by these institutions is enhanced so that the same withstand the audit of appellate institutions.
The Minister said that government has already created 36 new posts in various categories to supplement food regulations. He, however said that the level of enforcement is required to be geared up to meet National index. He expressed satisfaction over the initiatives taken by the Drug and Food Safety Organization in recent times and hoped the good work shall continue with the renewed zeal. He impressed upon the field functionaries to work without any pressure and ensure tangible results in implementation of requisite drug and food Acts for welfare of the people.
The Minister stressed on lifting maximum samples of edibles from the markets for testing to ensure that no adulteration is made. He directed the officers to fine those manufacturers and shopkeepers who indulge in such malpractices and book them under the law without giving any concession. The Act also envisages seal of units and cancellation of their licenses.
The Minister assured the officials of the organization that all their genuine demands would be mitigated in time. He instructed Controller drug and Food Control to ensure that no attachment of the staff is made at any level which affects the working of the area.
Controller Drug and Food Organization, in his address, threw a detailed light on the functioning of the Organization.
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