Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Feb 22: With Ramadan approaching, the authorities, including the Food Safety Department, have intensified enforcement drives in Srinagar, cracking down on vendors selling unhygienic and substandard food.
An evening inspection was conducted in the Civil Lines areas to ensure ready-to-eat food meets safety standards and was part of continuous drives ongoing for the last couple of weeks.
Senior officials from the Food Safety Department, Srinagar have been conducting the drive for the past couple of weeks and warning vendors against cutting corners. The aim of these drives is to maintain hygiene and the quality of food. “Clean food is not a choice, but it is a necessity. Violators will face strict action,” an official from the department said.
He said the goal is to ensure that people consume safe and quality food, especially with Ramadan around the corner. “Vendors must strictly adhere to the Food Safety and Standards Act, and those violating hygiene norms will be dealt with firmly,” he added.
Meanwhile, local residents have welcomed the crackdown, demanding more frequent inspections. “These checks bring accountability. We need to be sure that the food we buy is safe, especially during Ramadan,” said Shahid Ahmad, a resident of Sonawar.
Faheed, another resident, urged authorities to extend inspections beyond major markets. “Many street vendors in smaller neighbourhoods sell food in unsanitary conditions. The department should monitor them too,” he said.
Moreover, officials also said consumers can report violations directly to them, stating that strict action will be taken against violators.
