Srinagar: Commissioner, Food & Drugs Administration (FDA), Jammu & Kashmir, Khalid Jahangir on Thursday held an introductory meeting with senior officers and field functionaries of Drug and Food Wing of the department, after assuming charge.
During the meeting, held at the Conference Hall Combined Drug and Food Laboratory, Srinagar, the Commissioner emphasized the critical role of the department in safeguarding public health and ensuring the availability of safe food and quality drugs to the people of Jammu & Kashmir.
He stressed that field functionaries must remain visible, accessible, and proactive on the ground and should discharge their duties strictly in accordance with the mandate of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and Drugs & Cosmetics Act.
He directed officers to strengthen surveillance and inspection mechanisms to ensure that food business operators (FBOs) and pharmacy establishments comply with the prescribed legal standards and regulatory requirements.
The Commissioner stressed that enforcement activities should be carried out in a fair, transparent, and professional manner. He further emphasized the need for coordinated teamwork among all enforcement officers of the department to ensure effective implementation of food safety and drug control measures.
Drawing attention towards growing menace of drug abuse and its adverse impact on society, particularly on the younger generation, the Commissioner highlighted the importance of awareness and strict enforcement measures.
He stated that the UT of J&K has already launched a comprehensive 100-day Nasha Mukht J&K Abhyan campaign against drug abuse, and directed all field officers to actively participate in the campaign by conducting awareness programmes, public outreach activities, and coordinated enforcement drives at the grassroots level.
In view of the forthcoming Eid festivities and Moharram, the Commissioner directed the field staff to intensify market surveillance and enforcement activities, particularly focusing on highly consumed food items during the festive season.
He asked the enforcement teams to remain extra vigilant and proactive in checking the quality, hygiene, adulteration, storage, and sale of food products in markets across Jammu & Kashmir.
Reaffirming the commitment of the Food & Drugs Administration towards public welfare, he called upon all officers and stakeholders to work collectively with dedication and integrity to strengthen the regulatory framework and ensure a healthier and safer society for the people of Jammu & Kashmir.
