Jammu, Apr 1: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Wednesday said there is no need to impose a ban on the import of frozen and chilled food items, asserting that enforcement of existing laws will be strengthened to ensure food safety and curb violations.
Health minister Sakeena Itoo said that the government is focused on strict implementation of food safety regulations rather than imposing a blanket ban.
She informed the House that 3,700 inspections have been conducted, with 1,346 samples collected for testing. Of these, 1,292 reports have been processed, while 601 cases have been registered under relevant provisions of the law.
The minister said authorities have seized 22,026 units of food items and imposed fines amounting to Rs 30.8 lakh.
She said the government is working to curb illegal practices and ensure that people get safe and hygienic food, adding that strict action will be taken against violators.
The Minister also said the task force wing will be strengthened to ensure better enforcement and compliance on the ground.
She acknowledged that awareness around food safety was limited in the past but said the department is now working to improve implementation and introduce additional safeguards.
The minister assured the House that suggestions raised by MLA Pirzada Farooq Ahmad Shah, during a private members bill, which sought a complete ban on such imports to protect the local food industry and public health, will be examined to improve the effectiveness of the existing law. Following the assurances, the bill was withdrawn. (KNO)
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