J&K FDA issues strict guidelines on frozen meat, chicken, fish sales. Here are the do’s and don’ts

Srinagar: In a move aimed at safeguarding public health, the Jammu and Kashmir Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a public notice directing all food business operators (FBOs) — including manufacturers, processors, wholesalers, retailers, cold storage operators, transporters, and e-commerce platforms — to strictly comply with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) guidelines for handling and sale of frozen meat, chicken, and meat products.

The order comes after the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) took up the issue of unregulated sale of frozen raw meat and poultry products.

Mandatory standards

According to the notice, frozen meat and meat products must be:

• Stored and transported at -18°C or below at all stages, from production to sale.

• Consumed within 12 months from the date of freezing.

• Short-term chilled storage at 4°C is permitted only for 2–4 days before consumption.

All establishments must be equipped with calibrated temperature monitoring devices and maintain accurate records for inspections.

Packaging & labelling

Every package of frozen meat or chicken must clearly display:

• Product name, full list of ingredients, and non-vegetarian symbol.

• Net quantity, batch/lot number, date of manufacture/packing.

• Expiry/Use By date and storage conditions.

• Name and address of manufacturer/packer/importer.

• FSSAI license number and logo.

Products sold online must also carry all mandatory label details, and shelf life at delivery must be at least 30% of the total shelf life or 45 days before expiry, whichever is earlier.

Penalties for violations

The FDA has warned of strict enforcement action for violations, including:

• Seizure of stock and monetary penalties up to ₹5 lakh for substandard products.

• Up to ₹3 lakh for misbranding, and ₹10 lakh for sale without an FSSAI license.

• Serious offences involving unsafe food could invite imprisonment of up to six years along with fines.

Commissioner, FDA J&K, Smita Sethi, said the notice has been issued “in the interest of public health” and to ensure the highest standards of food safety across Jammu and Kashmir.

The KCCI has advised its members to carefully review the notice and ensure strict compliance to avoid penal action and to restore consumer confidence in the food supply chain.