In response to the apprehensions surrounding the influx of artificially ripened fruits in Jammu and Kashmir markets ahead of Ramadan, the Food Safety Department has initiated comprehensive market surveillance. Teams across the districts are tasked with ensuring that fruits and vegetables are devoid of chemical adulterants.
The move follows social media reports and warnings from health professionals about the health risks associated with chemically ripened watermelons, a fruit whose demand escalates during Ramadan. Shagufa Jalal, Deputy Commissioner at the J&K Drug and Food Control Organisation, highlighted the routine market inspections aimed at safeguarding consumer health. "The people need not to panic. We are conducting the market checking and surveillance sampling, every third week of the month," Jalal assured.
Furthermore, the department's recent tests have not indicated significant concerns over the chemical contamination of produce, reinforcing the region's commitment to food safety, as evidenced by its leading position in the Food Safety Index for three consecutive years.
Source: menafn.com