Aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of pilgrims during the Shri Amarnath Yatra, the Food Safety team Kashmir, under the directions of Commissioner Food and Drugs Administration, Smita Sethi, conducted a comprehensive inspection of Langars operating at the Base Camp Nunwan and Transit Camp Chandanwari, Pahalgam. The inspections were conducted under the supervision of Joint Commissioner Food Safety, Sanjeev Kumar.
The team was comprised of Deputy Commissioner Food Safety, Kashmir, State Nodal Officer, Food Safety Officer HQ Kashmir and Food Safety Officers from Anantnag district.
The inspection aimed to ensure that all Langars adhere to the highest standards of food safety and hygiene, thereby safeguarding the health of pilgrims.
On the occasion, a sensitisation meeting was also convened by the Joint Commissioner, in which Sachin Sharma, Additional Camp Director and representatives of Langars authorized to operate at the Base Camp Nunwan participated.
It was informed that 12 Langars are currently operating at the Base Camp, Nunwan and 08 at the Transit Camp Chandanwari.
During the meeting, State Nodal Officer FDA senzitized the representatives of the Langars on the importance of maintaining high standards of health hygiene and food safety.
The Langar representatives and food handlers were emphasized for compliance with the Advisory issued by the department, focusing on key areas like sanitary and hygienic requirements, proper storage conditions, regular checking of expiry dates of raw materials, use of potable water for food preparation, disposal of food waste, pest and rodent control measures, prohibition of un permitted food colors, ensuring health certificates for food handlers, registration of Langars under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
The Joint Commissioner Food Safety said that the Food Safety Department is firmly committed to monitor and enforce the food safety standards during the Shri Amarnath Yatra. He urged all Food Business Operators (FBOs) to strictly adhere to the guidelines and regulations, ensuring a safe and healthy experience for all the pilgrims.