Srinagar, Oct 27 (JKNS): The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), Jammu and Kashmir, has intensified its crackdown on nutraceutical products after 41.46% of samples tested over the preceding six months were found non-conforming, prompting a fresh enforcement drive across all districts of the Union Territory, during which 168 inspections were conducted and 146 samples lifted for testing.
Spokesperson of (FDA), J&K, in a statement issued here to news agency JKNS said that department conducted an enforcement sampling drive against nutraceutical products across all districts to ensure compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the regulations framed thereunder, with particular emphasis on product safety, quality and mandatory labelling requirements.
During the drive, a total of 168 inspections were conducted and 146 samples of nutraceutical products were lifted for testing safety and quality parameters and scrutiny of statutory labelling declarations. The drive was undertaken to strengthen regulatory oversight and verify compliance by Food Business Operators dealing in nutraceutical products.
During the inspections, seven labelling violations were reported, for which notices have been recommended under the applicable regulatory provisions. Further action in such cases shall be taken in accordance with the findings and the relevant provisions of food safety law.
It is pertinent to mention that the special enforcement-cum-sampling drive for nutraceuticals has been initiated in view of the findings of the enforcement samples lifted during the preceding six months. During the said period, 328 samples of nutraceuticals were lifted, of which 136 samples were reported as non-conforming, reflecting a non-conformity rate of 41.46%. In view of the significant level of non-conformity observed, it was considered imperative to undertake a fresh, intensive enforcement-cum-sampling drive for nutraceutical products across all districts of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir to assess their compliance with the prescribed standards and to initiate appropriate regulatory action wherever violations are detected.
The FDA, J&K, reiterated that nutraceutical products must comply with the prescribed standards and applicable regulatory requirements, including mandatory labelling declarations and restrictions governing product claims. Food Business Operators have been advised to ensure strict compliance with the statutory provisions applicable to the manufacture, storage, distribution and sale of such products. Such drives shall continue to strengthen compliance with food safety legislation and ensure that products offered to consumers meet the prescribed safety and quality requirements. (JKNS)