The licence of a milk unit in Bijbehara town of J&K's Anantnag district was suspended on Friday due to multiple violations, according to an official statement.
The licence of a milk collection unit operating at Semthan in Bijbehara was suspended after a video surfaced allegedly showing unsafe handling of milk, and a subsequent inspection revealed multiple violations.
As per an order issued by the Assistant Commissioner and Designated Officer, Food Safety, Anantnag, the action followed the circulation of a social media video purportedly showing an employee of the firm M/S Bulk Milk Cooler (JKMPCL) tasting milk with his tongue and then returning the leftover milk into containers meant for public consumption.
The order stated that, following the video, an authorised Food Safety Officer inspected the premises on April 29 to assess compliance with relevant legal provisions. The inspection report highlighted several irregularities and recommended suspension of the licence.
Among the violations found were the storage of chemicals, including diesel and cleaning agents, within the milk storage and cooling area, the use of non-food-grade plastic containers for handling milk, uncovered water storage tanks, and poor hygiene practices at the facility.
The order further noted that processing and storing high-risk food items under such conditions violates Schedule IV of the Food Safety and Standards Act and could pose a serious risk to public health.
Exercising powers under Section 36 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, the designated officer suspended the unit’s licence, issued under registration number 11025010000289, with immediate effect until further orders.
The operator has also been instructed to cease all activities at the premises until further notice.
Authorities in Kashmir have been conducting food safety audits of establishments dealing with essential commodities such as food and medicines to ensure consumer safety.
With Inputs From IANS
