- Advertisement -
MIRPUR, Nov 7 (APP): In the wake of the ongoing drive to curb the trend of the supply of substandard cooked edibles to the general consumers in AJK, the Azad Jammu Kashmir Food Authority Mirpur team conducted a surprise operation in the Chattarpuri area late last night and recovered 125 kg of spoiled, stale, and unidentifiable chicken meat, it was officially said.
An official spokesman, while unveiling the details, told APP here on Friday that the meat was stored without any Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), in which the basic principles of temperature control, cleanliness, and traceability of the source were found to be in complete violation.
“The smell, color, and texture of the meat were in very bad condition, which could pose serious risks to human health. The Food Authority team destroyed all 125 kg of meat on the spot and took action against the concerned businessmen under the Pure Food Regulations 2019 AJK and the AJK Food Authority Act. On this occasion, on the instructions of the DFC, the team issued a strict notice on the spot and warned the concerned businessmen that “in the future, if any attempt is made to prepare, store, or sell food without SOPs, heavy fines and legal action will be taken,” the spokesman said.
He further directed that all food units should strictly adhere to the registration, hygienic standards, and cold chain SOPs of the AJK Food Authority.
On this occasion, District Food Controller (DFC)/Food Safety Officer Adnan Ali Naqvi, Food Analyst Muhammad Jalil, and Assistant Food Safety Officer Shahryar Khan participated in this operation.
In addition, a team from the Mirpur Police Department was also present on the spot during the operation and provided full cooperation. On this occasion, the spokesperson of the Food Authority said that those selling substandard and unhealthy meat are playing with the lives of the people.
The Food Authority will not tolerate such negligence under any circumstances. Public health is our first priority. He appealed to the public that if they see substandard or stale food being sold anywhere, they should contact the AJK Food Authority helpline.