FDA tightens street-food checks across Srinagar; fines, RUCO collection step up
SRINAGAR: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Jammu & Kashmir, carried out a concentrated inspection of street food vendors across Srinagar on Tuesday, inspecting 20 food establishments and imposing penalties on those found flouting prescribed sanitary norms, officials said.
The drive, conducted in several high-footfall locations, focused on compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, with particular attention to the hygienic requirements set out under Schedule 4. Enforcement teams visited stalls and outlets at Nishat, Maki Point, Nehru Park, LD Hospital and Khayam to assess food handling, storage and personal hygiene practices.
- Inspected: 20 street food establishments
- Compounded: 8 Food Business Operators (FBOs) under Section 69 of the FSS Act
- Fine: ₹8,000 for each compounded FBO as per the enforcement action
- Used oil lifted: ~45 litres of used/re-used edible cooking oil deemed unsuitable and collected for disposal
"Regular enforcement, inspection and awareness activities will continue across Srinagar and other parts of the Union Territory, with special emphasis on street food establishments, high-footfall areas and RUCO compliance."
The FDA said the impounded oil was identified as unfit for further use and was handed over to an authorised RUCO (Repurpose Used Cooking Oil) aggregator for appropriate disposal. Agencies conducting the drive directed FBOs to strictly observe limits on the reuse of cooking oil and to channel used oil only through authorised collectors.
Officials also carried out on-site awareness sessions for vendors, emphasising safe food handling, maintenance of sanitary conditions, proper storage and personal hygiene. The FDA reiterated that such combined enforcement and sensitisation activities form part of routine checks planned across the city and the Union Territory.
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Locations covered | Nishat, Maki Point, Nehru Park, LD Hospital, Khayam |
| FBOs inspected | 20 |
| FBOs compounded | 8 (Section 69, FSS Act) |
| Used oil lifted | Approximately 45 litres |
| Penalty | ₹8,000 per compounded FBO |
The FDA has urged consumers to report suspected unsafe or adulterated food products. Complaints can be lodged through the toll-free helpline 104 or by emailing cfsjandk.fnd@jk.gov.in, the department said.
Food safety specialists regard regular surveillance of street vending as crucial in urban centres such as Srinagar, where informal food outlets serve a large daily clientele, including locals, shoppers and tourists. Public-health risks associated with repeated use of cooking oil include deterioration of oil quality and the formation of harmful compounds; the RUCO scheme is intended to prevent unsafe reuse and ensure environmental disposal or recycling.
By combining compounding of non-compliant operators with awareness outreach and collection of unfit oil, the FDA said it aims to both deter infractions and encourage safer practices among small-scale vendors. The department warned that inspection and enforcement activities will persist, with special emphasis on areas attracting large crowds.
Local traders and vendor associations have in the past expressed concerns about sudden enforcement without prior awareness; the FDA's inclusion of on-site sensitisation during this drive appears aimed at reducing such friction while maintaining public-health safeguards. The department underlined that adherence to prescribed food-safety standards is mandatory to ensure food served to the public is safe and fit for consumption.
Consumers and vendor groups are likely to watch further FDA action closely, particularly in Srinagar's marketplaces and recreational spots where street food forms an integral part of daily commerce and tourism activity.
