Ladakh orders strict food safety checks, warns 8,800 FBOs of Rs 10 lakh penalty, jail for violations

The Ladakh administration has ordered a strict crackdown on food safety violations, warning nearly 8,800 food business operators (FBOs) of penalties of up to Rs 10 lakh and imprisonment in serious cases to protect public health and ensure compliance with food safety laws.

The administration issued the directive on the directions of Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena. Ladakh has 428 FSSAI licence holders and 8,355 FSSAI registration holders.

"Food safety is not merely a regulatory requirement; it is a fundamental responsibility towards the health and well-being of every citizen. Every Food Business Operator must ensure that the food served to our people is safe, hygienic and of the prescribed standard. There will be zero tolerance for any such violations that put public health at risk," Saxena said.


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Saxena also said enforcement would remain fair, transparent and firmly grounded in law.

Under the directive, all FBOs must comply with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Food manufactured, processed, stored, transported, distributed or sold in Ladakh must be safe, wholesome and meet prescribed standards.

Restaurants, hotels, eateries and other food businesses have been barred from manufacturing, storing or selling unsafe, sub-standard, misbranded, adulterated or contaminated food, as well as food that has crossed its shelf life or expiry date.

FBOs must obtain and prominently display valid FSSAI licences or registrations. They must also follow prescribed hygiene and sanitary standards, prevent cross-contamination, ensure safe storage of food and raw materials, maintain suitable temperature and cold-chain conditions, use potable water, and follow proper waste disposal and pest-control practices.

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Businesses have also been directed to use food-grade equipment, utensils and packaging, maintain required records, source ingredients from legal and reliable suppliers and comply with applicable labelling rules.

Licensed FBOs must maintain and implement an appropriate Food Safety Management System (FSMS). Food handlers must follow personal hygiene standards and undergo appropriate food safety and hygiene training.

The Food Safety Department has been directed to step up inspections, food sampling and analysis. It has also been asked to seize or detain food articles, prohibit the sale or distribution of unsafe food, and suspend or cancel licences wherever permitted under law.

Penalties for food safety violations

The prescribed penalties vary according to the nature of the violation. Selling food that does not meet the required nature, substance or quality can attract a penalty of up to Rs 5 lakh. Sub-standard food can also attract a penalty of up to Rs 5 lakh.

Selling misbranded food can invite a penalty of up to Rs 3 lakh, while misleading advertisements or providing false information can attract penalties of up to Rs 10 lakh.

Possessing adulterants can attract a penalty of up to Rs 2 lakh if the substance is not harmful to health. If the adulterant is injurious to health, the penalty can go up to Rs 10 lakh.

Unhygienic or unsanitary processing or manufacturing can attract a penalty of up to Rs 1 lakh. Failure to follow directions issued by a Food Safety Officer can result in a penalty of up to Rs 2 lakh.

Manufacturing, storing, selling or distributing unsafe food can lead to imprisonment and fines, depending on whether the violation causes injury, grievous injury or death.

Interfering with seized food or other items can result in imprisonment of up to six months and a fine of up to Rs 2 lakh. Obstructing, impersonating, threatening or assaulting a Food Safety Officer can attract imprisonment of up to three months and a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh.

FBOs operating without the required licence can face a penalty of up to Rs 10 lakh.

(With inputs from PTI)