MC fails to check violations of Food Safety Act

Jammu, January 30The inspection by officials of the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) to check the violation of the Food Safety Act-2006 has been reduced to just a photo opportunity for the officials, as not much has changed when it comes to serving quality food to the people in the city by food stalls.

Officials said keeping in view the health aspect, the Municipal Corporation was organising awareness camps at different markets to urge people associated with the food business to maintain cleanness, but no strict action had been taken against the violators.

“Not much has changed on ground. Space used for cleaning utensils and preparation of food is not under scanner. Even the drinking water served is not safe,” said an official.

People who come under direct contact with food have to demonstrate “fitness for work” certificate following concern shown by the many NGOs and government agencies that people are getting low quality and unhygienic food in the city.

The Health Officer said it had already been decided to put a ban on the issuance or renewal of the licence without production of the fitness certificate to ensure that the these food sellers, regardless of the safety precautions they take at work, undergo a mandatory medical examination for ratifying their physical fitness in order to pursue their trade.