The fee levied on food industry owners is Rs 5.35L

Several food business operators (FBOs) were penalized by Ranjit Singh, the Additional District Magistrate and Adjudicating Officer, for their violations of the Food Safety and Standards Act (2006).

The biggest fines ever recorded in the district were handed out by the court to a number of manufacturers, wholesale dealers, and retailers in the Bani, Basohli, and Kathua blocks, totaling Rs 5.35 lakh. The penalties were imposed as a result of merchants in the designated regions breaking the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006.

As the adjudicating officer, the ADM sent strong warnings to FBOs who disregarded the law, stressing the importance of following food industry laws. He warned them that future non-compliance would have more dire repercussions and encouraged them to abide by the Food Safety and Standards Act and its related regulations, an official said.

Through strict implementation of the legal framework, this instruction “aims to ensure the delivery of wholesome and safe food to consumers,” the official said.