Aug 25, 2013

High Court seeks status report on quality of raw meat

Can’t Appoint Separate Commissioner For Food Safety: Govt
Srinagar, Aug 24: Jammu and Kashmir High Court has directed the government to file status report on raw meat sold in open shops after lifting samples in keeping with prevention of Food Safety and Standard Act 2006.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice M M Kumar and justice D S Thakur asked the government to file a report in this regard after it observed with dismay the government’s failure to file a report on raw meat sold in open shops.
The Court also directed the government to file status report within four weeks with regard to private and public sector abattoirs.
Earlier, in its order the court had directed the government to constitute a committee to suggest how to provide quality meat to the consumers till an abattoir was established in Kashmir.
In its status report the government has stated that the committee has submitted its report, recommending checking of sheep/goat on entry points, maintenance of hygiene in slaughter houses saying the recommendations have been forwarded to the concerned state agency.
The court, however, said no report on the recommendations by the committee or any requirement of modification, if required, has been pointed out in the report.
The government in its status report has said the Controller (Drug and Food Control Organization) who was also appointed Commissioner Food Safety J&K has now been replaced by Secretary, Health and Medical Education Department as Commissioner in addition to his own duties.
The government has however expressed its inability to appoint an independent officer as Food Safety Commissioner viewing that there were number of issues common under the Food Safety Act and the rules within the Health Department. With regard to Food Safety Tribunal replacing the mechanism adopted by the prevention of Food Adulteration Act 1994, the government in its status report said the matter has been taken up with Finance Department for creation of post of Presiding Officer of the rank of District and Sessions Judge with the allied staff. The report said the matter was under active consideration of the government.

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