Under the directions of Minister for Health & Medical Education, Bali Bhagat, the Drugs and Food Control Organization DFCO), J&K has launched a mega 10-day anti-adulteration drive across the State. The objective of launching this special drive is to curb the menace of adulteration in the milk and milk products.The Enforcement teams of the DFCO under the overall supervision of Controller, Ms. Lokita Khajuria, has set up special nakas (checking points) at strategic locations leading to the main cities and towns to keep a close vigil on the supply of milk and milk products. The teams are empowered to lift samples of the products and can destroy the same on finding these unwholesome/adulterated. The samples of the products will be sent to the designated laboratory for testing and the defaulters will be punished under the appropriate laws.During the second day of the drive (Tuesday), the food safety teams have destroyed 5227 litres of sub-standard milk and also lifted fifty four samples from different places in both the Divisions. On first day, over 3000 litres of milk was destroyed.
The milk suppliers, vendors have been cautioned by the organization to desist from the illegal practices of supplying adulterated and sub-standard milk and milk products in the market and strict action would be taken against such elements.
Meanwhile, the Drugs and Food Control Organization has issued a fervent appeal to the general public to provide vital inputs regarding the supply of unwholesome milk and milk products and the unscrupulous elements indulging in such practices so that necessary action was initiated to check the same. The food safety teams deployed in every town, city and blocks have been directed to strictly deal with such elements and create a deterrence to keep a check on the adulteration of food items.
Moreover, the Minister has called upon the functionaries of the Organization to strictly enforce the Food Safety Laws to ensure quality eatables to the consumers. He directed them to step up efforts to check the adulterated supply of milk and milk products in every corner of the State. After expiry of this special drive, the organization will start regular checking on outlets and shops to maintain quality sale of such products.Calling upon the society to come forward against the crime of adulteration, the Minister said that only Government efforts are not sufficient to eradicate such evils, but it needs collective efforts from all stakeholders of the society. People should join hands with the administration in dealing with such a sensitive issue, he asserted.