Key Update

Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) authorities have directed hotels, restaurants, cafés, dhabas, sweet shops, bakeries, caterers and other food businesses to clearly identify the type of meat used in their preparations. Commissioner of Food & Drugs Administration J&K, Khalid Jahangir, said food establishments must specify whether a dish contains mutton, beef, chicken, fish or another type of meat.

Businesses must display this information on menu cards, Food Safety Information Boards, display counters or other applicable menu displays. The information must remain accurate, legible, visible, and up to date.

Food Safety Boards Made Prominent

The administration has also directed food businesses to display Food Safety Information Boards prominently. These boards must include key details such as the establishment’s FSSAI licence number and customer care number. Authorities have asked businesses to avoid generic descriptions such as “Meat Curry,” “Meat Biryani,” “Meat Kebab” and “Non-Vegetarian” when they do not identify the actual type of meat used.

Officials to Check Compliance

Designated Officers and Food Safety Officers will circulate the advisory among food business operators and verify compliance during inspections. Businesses that fail to comply with applicable provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and related rules and regulations may face action under the law. J&K directs food businesses to clearly name the meat used in dishes and display FSSAI licence details on Food Safety Information Boards.

Source: Kashmir Observer