The District Development Commissioner (DDC) Budgam, Shahbaz Ahmed Mirza who is also the Chairman of District Level Advisory Committee (DLAC) today convened a meeting to ensure effective implementation of the Food Safety and Standard Act (FSSA) 2006.Speaking on the occasion, the DDC stressed for raising mass awareness regarding FSSA-2006 and violation of its provisions. He directed concerned food officer to take along all stakeholders particularly PRIs and conduct awareness camps across the district.The DDC said that vigorous enforcement action is required to crack whip on sale of adulterated and expiry food items in the market. He added that systematic training capacity building shall be imparted to persons affiliated with food production as is need of an hour.He added that Food Safety Department has vital role and responsibility in ensuring that all mandatory parameters are being maintained while producing such items. The DC said that more thrust and efforts from all concerned are required to ensure and make the movement sustainable for overall interest and betterment of common people.Earlier Food Safety Officer (FSO) Budgam in detail presented the overall performance and activities carried out by the department vis-à-vis implementation of FSS act 2006.He said the department has been keeping close vigil on the market particularly business units affiliated with food production. He said their aim and objective is to promote fortified food for all particularly for ICDS schemes, mid day meal schemes etc.The FSO elaborated that they undertake routine and surprise checks of food outlets and other eatery stores. He added that till date they have conducted 1706 inspections and imposed a fine of Rs. 250,000 against offenders. The meeting was attended by General Manager DIC, DySP Hqr., AD Food, Food Safety Officer Budgam, besides representatives from various business units affiliated with food production and other allied items.