The health wing of the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) today raided several milk and cheese shops in the Dogra Hall and Canal Road areas of the city and lifted several samples for testing.
Officials said they had received several complaints from residents about adulteration of milk and its products and so, they had decided to conduct a surprise check.
A team led by Health Officer Dr Vinod Sharma checked these products on various parameters. These were found to be below the standards marked by the civic body.
City residents have been concerned about the poor quality of milk and its products, which leads to various health issues.
Though in the absence of modern equipment and manpower, the fight against adulteration is becoming a losing one for JMC officials, but in the recent months, a number of dairy owners have been penalised for playing with the health of people.
Sharma said, "Samples have been sent for analysis and shopkeepers have been warned against violating rules. We are waiting for results so that action can be taken."
Dr Sharma said despite the shortage of technical manpower, priority would be given to getting the samples tested as soon as possible.
Officers also inspected various eateries in the Jewel Chowk, Dogra Chowk areas. The move was aimed at checking the hygiene level of the premises ahead of Janamashtami. Besides the inspection, the team spread awareness regarding the Food Safety & Standard Act, 2006, to restaurant owners and visitors at these eateries.
"They (owners) were directed to maintain proper hygienic conditions at their eateries. The food business operators assured the authorities that irregularities, if any, would be removed within a short span of time and there would be no lapse from their side in the future," said Food Safety Officer Parmod Kumar.
A survey conducted by the Food Safety and Standard Authority of India in 2012 had found that 83 per cent of milk sold in various districts of the state was not safe for consumption. The study had found that most common adulteration in the state was in glucose and skimmed milk products.
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