Setup food testing labs in Jammu, Srinagar: High Court

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Setup food testing labs in Jammu, Srinagar - High CourtThe Jammu and Kashmir High Court today directed the state government to initiate process for setting up two food testing labs at Jammu and Srinagar and for procuring mobile food testing vans.
A division bench of Justices Muzaffar Hussain Attar and Ali Mohammad Magrey in its orders today observed that it hoped that before the next date, the two laboratories — one at Srinagar and one at Jammu — would be made functional.
On May 24, while conceding that the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, had not been implemented in its letter and spirit, the J&K Government, represented by the Chief Secretary, had assured the High Court of immediate steps for upgradation of the two outdated food testing labs at Jammu and Srinagar without waiting for Central assistance.
“Latest status report filed by the Additional Advocate General is taken on record. Though it does show some steps have been taken in implementing the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the rules made therein, a lot is to be done to alleviate the sufferings of the people,” the bench observed in
its orders. The respondent state has to initiate action in setting up testing laboratories, as directed, at Srinagar and at Jammu, it said.
“We hope and trust that before next date, the two laboratories would be made functional,” the bench further observed.
The High Court further directed the government to provide technical manpower required in terms of the Food Act and the rules. “The recruitment shall be made on a fast-track basis and as far as possible appointments made before the next date. The laboratories shall be fully equipped before the next date to make them functional,” the High Court said, while posting the matter for further consideration in the week commencing from July 11.
The High Court further directed that those manufacturers/food units, who have not filed undertakings till date, shall file these before the next date in the light of the orders of the Supreme Court passed on June 7, 2016.

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