Daijiworld Media Network - Srinagar

Srinagar, May 2: Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have suspended the licence of a milk collection unit in Bijbehara after serious violations related to food safety and hygiene were reported.

The unit, operating at Semthan under Bijbehara in Anantnag district, came under scrutiny after a video circulated on social media allegedly showing an employee of Jammu Kashmir Milk Producers Cooperative Limited (JKMPCL) engaging in unsafe handling of milk. The footage purportedly showed the worker tasting milk and returning the leftover quantity back into containers meant for public distribution.

Following the viral video, a Food Safety Officer conducted an inspection of the premises on April 29. The report revealed multiple violations, including storage of diesel and cleaning chemicals in the milk handling area, use of non-food-grade plastic containers, uncovered water tanks, and overall unhygienic processing practices.

Officials noted that such conditions violate Schedule IV of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and pose a potential risk to public health. Acting under Section 36 of the Act, the designated authority suspended the unit’s licence with immediate effect, pending further orders.

The operator has been instructed to cease all activities at the facility until clearance is granted by the authorities.
In recent weeks, food safety authorities in Kashmir have intensified inspections across establishments handling essential goods, including food and medicines, as part of broader efforts to ensure consumer safety and compliance with hygiene standards.