While chairing a meeting on quality control of meat and other eatables, the Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, Pandurang K Pole today stressed on setting up long term mechanism for monitoring quality of meat, milk and other eatables to serve best quality food to citizens.The Div Com directed officers of the Food and Drug Control department to conduct the quality check drives of milk frequently and investigate the sample collected on a routine basis.The Food and Drug Control officers informed the meeting that the department is collecting samples of milk and other eatables each day and sending them to the lab for proper examination of ingredients and quality. They informed that the department has three mobile testing vans and a static lab to conduct the quality checks of milk and other eatable items.Meanwhile Div Com directed the installation of GPS systems on mobile vans to monitor their location. He also directed them to compile a weekly report of action taken and chalk out an advance plan of surprise testing of milk at different places particularly at the entry points of Srinagar city.
Besides, he asked them to double the number of testing per month and conduct vigorous quality check drives.Div Com was informed that the department has collected Rs 17 lakh fine from erring persons while cases have been also filed against several persons. He also directed the concerned to prepare a report of pending cases before ADCs as per the duration. Further, Div Com directed officers of Animal Husbandry and Sheep Husbandry to depute some Veterinary Assistant Surgeons to the Food & Drug Control department who would help them to check the quality of meat. Besides, asked them to conduct the quality check of meat on their own in respective jurisdictions. Div Com directed SMC officials to ensure health and hygiene at slaughter houses and shops.The meeting was attended by the officers of Food & Drug Control Organization Srinagar, FCS&CA, SMC, Animal Husbandry, Sheep Husbandry and Legal Metrology Department.