Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct. 30: Consumers in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have been advised to check food labels, verify expiry dates, and buy sweets only from licensed vendors as the Food Safety Department prepares special inspection drives across the islands ahead of the festive season. The department has warned manufacturers, bakeries and food vendors that violations of food safety standards will invite action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
The advisory follows directions from Lieutenant Governor Dr. Dinesh Sharma and seeks to address food safety and hygiene concerns during a period when demand for sweets and other festive food products increases. The department has urged consumers to exercise caution while purchasing both packaged and freshly prepared items.
For pre-packaged products, buyers should examine the date of packing, expiry date, and other mandatory label declarations before purchasing. The department has also advised consumers to source food exclusively from Food Business Operators (FBOs) holding valid licences or registrations.
The advisory places responsibility on manufacturers and sellers to ensure that food preparation, storage and display meet prescribed safety requirements. Sweet manufacturers and vendors have been directed to use good-quality ingredients, including quality khoa, and restrict food colours to those permitted under the regulations and within prescribed limits.
The department has also instructed food businesses to follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Hygiene Practices (GHP) during preparation and handling. Prepared sweets and other food products must remain adequately covered and stored or displayed in hygienic conditions to prevent contamination. Vendors must ensure that only fresh, wholesome and safe products reach consumers.
Special inspection drives across food establishments
The Food Safety Department will conduct inspections at sweet manufacturing units, sweet shops, bakeries, bakehouses and other food processing and vending establishments across the islands during the festive period. The inspections will assess compliance with food safety and hygiene requirements.
The Commissioner of Food Safety, A&N Islands, who also serves as Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman, has cautioned food business operators against non-compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and its associated rules and regulations. Authorities have stated that inspectors will deal with violations in accordance with the applicable legal provisions.
The department has also asked residents to report suspected breaches of food safety or hygiene standards. Complaints can be made directly to the Food Safety Department at 236112 or through the District Emergency Control Room’s toll-free number, 1070.
