Rs 4 lakh fine imposed on Valley firm for supplying sub-standard food item

JAMMU, Oct 21: Adjudicating Officer (under FSSA 2006), Jammu has imposed a fine of Rs 4 lakh on M/s Wani Brothers of Shopian for supplying sub-standard ‘Chana’ (gram) Whole to the ICDS centers of Khour Block in Jammu, besides directing the accused firm to replace the supply immediately.

Food Safety Officer, Block Pallanwala, district Jammu, had inspected the premises of ICDS Store CDPO Office Khour Block Pallanwala on August 18, 2018 and collected sample of the nutrition supply of Chana Whole with a view to get it tested from the Food Laboratory, Jammu so as to see whether it meets the requisite standard of the food item as laid down in the Regulation framed under Food Safety and Standard Act (FSSA), 2006.

The report of Food Analyst was received on September 4, 2018 in which he declared the Chana Whole as sub-standard while stating that the sample does not conform to the standards prescribed for Chana Whole under Regulation No 2.4.6 (9) of FSS Regulations, 2011 in respect of Weevilled Grains and damaged grains.

Meanwhile, the supplier also accepted the report of the Food Analyst as he did not opt to get it re-analyzed by any other referral laboratory even though he was given option under Rule 2.4.2 (6) of the FSSA 2006/Regulation framed thereunder.

Following this, Food Safety Officer, Block Pallanwala, after getting sanction of the competent authority, lodged a complaint against Managing Director/ Person-Incharge of M/s Wani Brothers in the court of Adjudicating Officer (under FSSA 2006), Jammu under Section 51 of FSSA 2006 punishable under Section 51 of FSSA 2006.

After hearing the complainant and the accused, the Adjudicating Officer (under FSSA 2006), Jammu in the order said as the accused has virtually admitted the charge of substandard supply and also has undertaken to replace the same, which he is otherwise bound as per his supply contract, a fine of Rs 4 lakh is imposed on the accused to be deposited within seven days in treasury or with this court, which shall be credited to the Government Account.

The court also directed the accused to replace the supply immediately so that children of Anganwari Centres in the area do not suffer, while stating that the menace of food adulteration and supply of sub-standard food items is increasing day by day and it requires strict legal and social response as it threatens the very existence of a healthy human society.