Civil Society Lauds Assistant Commissioner Yameen-ul-Nabi for His Late-Hour Commitment
Bilal Bhat
Srinagar, Feb 18: In an unprecedented move, the Drug and Food Control Organisation conducted its first-ever evening inspection drive across various bustling locations in Srinagar, ensuring food safety and hygiene compliance among roadside vendors and food business operators (FBOs).
A dedicated team of food safety officials, led by Assistant Commissioner Food Safety, Yameen-ul-Nabi, carried out rigorous inspections at Jehangir Chowk, Amirakadal, H.S.H.S, and Lal Chowk. The objective was to check the sanitary and hygiene standards of roadside eateries and vendors selling ready-to-eat food.
During the inspection, about eight FBOs were found violating hygiene norms and will be compounded, while two insanitary challans have been submitted to the Adjudicating Office, Srinagar, for further action. Vendors were strictly warned against using artificial colors in food, and all were advised to shield their food items from environmental contamination.
The inspection, which stretched into late evening hours, has been widely appreciated by civil society members, who hailed Assistant Commissioner Yameen-ul-Nabi for his commitment to ensuring public health and safety, even beyond regular working hours.
Idrees Mir, a prominent civil society member, commended the initiative, saying:
“For the first time in history, a food safety officer has taken the step to conduct inspections in the late hours when street food consumption is at its peak. This shows an unmatched level of dedication and sincerity towards public health.”
Another civil society activist, Shafqat Ahmad, emphasized the importance of these inspections, stating:
“Evening is the time when people, especially office-goers and travelers, consume food from roadside vendors. The fact that the Assistant Commissioner personally led this inspection in the late hours proves that the administration is serious about ensuring safe and hygienic food for everyone.”
As part of the awareness drive, food vendors were educated about food safety regulations and were directed to maintain the highest standards of hygiene. The food safety department reiterated that FBOs must self-comply with the Food Safety and Standards Act, failing which strict legal action will be taken, including the closure of businesses found in violation.
“Food safety is not just a regulation; it’s a responsibility towards society,” said Assistant Commissioner Yameen-ul-Nabi. “We are committed to ensuring that every consumer in Srinagar gets hygienic and safe food. These inspection drives will continue, and violators will face strict penalties.”
The Drug and Food Control Organisation has assured that such nighttime inspections will become a routine, especially in high-footfall areas where food safety concerns are often overlooked. The administration has urged the public to report unhygienic food practices by dialing the toll-free helpline 104.
With this landmark evening inspection, the food safety department has set a new benchmark for hygiene enforcement in Srinagar. The initiative not only safeguards public health but also sends a strong message to food vendors that compromising on safety will no longer be tolerated.
This move has instilled confidence among the public and earned widespread appreciation. As the city witnesses a new era of food safety enforcement, citizens hope that such dedication will lead to a healthier, safer Srinagar in the days to come.
