Ensure food quality as per standards, says DC

Chamba Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Repaswal on Wednesday emphasised the need for the effective implementation of the Food Safety and Standards Act in the district. He instructed officials to ensure that the quality of food products complies with the prescribed standards to safeguard public health.

He was presiding over a meeting of the District Advisory Committee. He directed officials to take necessary steps to operationalise the mobile food testing lab available with the department. Additionally, he stressed the importance of organising awareness programmes for all stakeholders to enhance knowledge about food safety regulations.

During the meeting, Repaswal reviewed the various provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act and assessed the departmental activities under its framework. He also provided necessary guidelines to the concerned officials.

Assistant Commissioner of Food Safety, Deepak Anand, presented a report on the district’s food safety measures for the financial year 2024-25. He stated that 158 food vendors had been issued food licences under the Act. Furthermore, 50 general samples and 130 surveillance samples had been sent for testing. He also informed that 61 food business operator units had been inspected during the current financial year.

Discussing hygiene audits, he mentioned that 15 hotel, restaurant and food vending establishments had undergone a hygiene rating audit in 2024-25. Chief Medical Officer Dr Bipen Sharma provided insights into the various provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act.