Shopkeeper caught selling flood-contaminated goods with tampered labelling
Poultry birds found slaughtered in toilet; FCO starts 9596089227, 9419601090 helpline
The next time you visit a grocery store do check the labeling of the goods you buy because the lot could be flood-contaminated and labeling tampered.
In the latest the authorities on Tuesday caught a provision store selling flood-hit goods with tampered labeling.
“One provision store namely Jan Provisions(at Regal Chowk) had displayed flood affected food articles with tampered labels of date of packing as November 2014 in his shop. Whole stock was seized and prohibition orders were issued on spot,” said an official handout from the office of Drugs & Food Control Organization(FCO).
The FCO under the supervision of Assistant Commissioner Food Safety Srinagar, Hilal Ahmed Mir inspected various areas of Srinagar. “During the course of inspection two poultry shops M/s Pattoo poultry and M/S Bhat Poulty at Koker Bazar were found selling /slaughter the poultry birds in total unhygienic conditions. Toilet of the building was converted into slaughtering point wherein the condition was pathetic,” the official handout said.
“Moreover some of the slaughtered birds were found in suspicious conditions. The operation of these shops had become nuisance for public in general and for the shopkeepers of that area in particular. In the interest of public health, the sale/slaughtering of poultry birds by M/s Pattoo poultry and M/S Bhat poulty has been prohibited immediately and Station House Officer of the Maisuma Police Station has been intimated to ensure the implementation of prohibition order,” the official handout added.
“In addition a huge quantity of flood-affected food articles including spices, skimmed milk, ghee, confectionery, tea, coffee, edible oil, salt and other ready to eat foods amounting more than Rs seven lakhs were seized from the various shops operating in the area of Lal Chowk and Koker Bazar, for further disposal as warranted under law.”
“Also some of the tea stalls and restaurants were found in insanitary conditions. They were put on five days’ notice to meet out the requirements as laid down in Food Safety & Standards Act 2006.”
Meanwhile the department of Drugs & Food Control Organization has started a helpline. “The public at large is informed to be careful enough while purchasing food articles. In case of any complaint please inform on the following Nos 9596089227, 9419601090,” the official handout said.
Meanwhile people have hailed the organization for the inspections and appealed them to continue with the efforts. Shabir Ahmed Lone Food Safety Officer said the drive could continue.