Srinagar, Aug 21 (CNS): The Food & Drugs Administration (FDA) Jammu and Kashmir has issued a stringent public notice directing all Food Business Operators (FBOs) – including manufacturers, processors, wholesalers, retailers, cold storage operators, transporters, and e-commerce platforms – to strictly adhere to Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) guidelines for the sale of frozen raw meat, chicken, and related products.
The order mandates proper storage, labeling, and transportation of meat products under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and Packaging and Labeling Regulations, 2020.
Key Highlights:
Fresh meat must be sold immediately after slaughter without chemical treatment.
Chilled meat must be stored between 0°C and 4°C.
Frozen meat must remain at –18°C or below at all stages.
Packages must carry clear product details, including name, ingredients, batch number, expiry date, storage conditions, and FSSAI license number.
Penalties for Non-Compliance:
Up to ₹5 lakh for substandard products.
Up to ₹3 lakh for misbranding or missing labels.
Up to ₹1 lakh for insanitary conditions.
Up to ₹2 lakh for operating without FSSAI registration.
Up to ₹10 lakh for operating without FSSAI license.
Additionally, unsafe food practices can lead to imprisonment for up to six years and fines up to ₹5 lakh as per Section 59(iii) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
The FDA has instructed all FBOs to upgrade operations, maintain compliance, and remove non-compliant products from shelves and online platforms to avoid strict legal action.
