Kathua | January 16, 2026 — Deputy Commissioner Kathua, Rajesh Sharma, today chaired a high-level meeting of the District Level Advisory Committee to evaluate the enforcement of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
During the review, it was revealed that the district has intensified its crackdown on food safety violations, imposing significant penalties amounting to ₹14,04,000 on defaulters. The DC emphasized that ensuring safe food and healthy diets is a top priority for the administration, directing officials to maintain a zero-tolerance policy against adulteration and hygiene lapses across the district.
Providing a detailed performance breakdown, Deputy Commissioner of Food Safety Division Jammu and Designated Officer for Kathua, Madan Lal Magotra, informed the committee that the department conducted 917 inspections and lifted 476 food samples for rigorous testing during the period under review.
Furthermore, legal prosecution has been launched against 62 defaulters found in violation of FSSAI norms. The district is also leveraging technology for real-time results, utilizing Mobile Food Testing Vans (MFTVs) to analyze samples on-site, particularly in busy market areas and transit points.
To further strengthen the food safety ecosystem, DC Rajesh Sharma ordered the expansion of mandatory training and registration for food handlers. While the hotel and hospitality industry is already under the scanner, the training programs will now cover ICDS Anganwadi Workers, Mid-Day Meal staff in schools, and Fair Price Shop dealers to ensure safety at the grassroots level.
The Deputy Commissioner also called for joint inspections by stakeholder departments and instructed the Agriculture department to promote healthy dietary habits among the public, ensuring a holistic approach to public health and nutrition in Kathua.
