Srinagar, Mar 26: In anticipation of the Eid-ul-Fitr rush, bakery shops across Srinagar are busy preparing and stocking bakery items and sweets in advance.
However, this pre-holiday preparation has also raised concerns about the quality and safety of these bakery items.
The primary worry stems from the perishable nature of bakery goods, particularly with rising temperatures.
With stocks being prepared in advance, residents fear that these items might not be fresh by the time Eid arrives, potentially leading to spoilage.
People are worried about the safety of consuming food products, especially bakery items.
“Manufacturing and expiry dates must be mentioned on all open bakeries. There is no mention of expiry and manufacturing date in some packed food as well,” said Abid Manzoor of Sanat Nagar.
The residents said that there is an importance of prominently displaying manufacturing and expiry dates on all open bakery items to enable consumers to make informed choices about purchases.
Assistant Commissioner, Food Safety, Srinagar, Yamin-ul-Nabi told Greater Kashmir that they had intensified market checking across Srinagar city.
“We visited the industrial area Khanmoh and took some samples of sweets, snacks, milk products, and other bakery items. We have even tested some food items in a mobile testing van,” he said.
“The business operators have been directed to maintain a high standard of hygiene in their manufacturing units. Strict action will be taken against those who violate any provision of the Food Safety and Standards Act. The drives will continue across Srinagar city in the coming days as well.”
Recently, the centre asked all states and union territories to enforce regulations requiring milk products, sweets, and bakeries to adhere strictly to food safety standards and guidelines.
This includes regular inspections to ensure proper storage conditions and hygiene practices are maintained to prevent the spread of food-borne illnesses.
According to the official communiqué, there is a need for strict vigilance in manufacturing and sales processes, ensuring products adhere to food safety standards.
It said that special attention would be given to prominent markets, with the deployment of Food Safety on Wheels (FSW) units where available.