Intensive Market Checking Conducted at Shopian; Rs. 10200 realised as fine

SHOPIANMAY 11:–On the directions of Development Commissioner of Shopian Dr. Owais Ahmad extensive market checking was conducted here at Shopian town during which Rs. 10200 was realised as fine from erring traders, shopkeepers, butchers and fruit and vegetable vendors.

The market checking was conducted by an interdepartmental team of Revenue, Food Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs and Food Safety departments headed by Tehsildar Shopian Bilal Ahmad. Team inspected various establishments, meat shops, bakery shops and milk shops at Hergam, Bonbazar, Batapora, Baghandar and GolChakkar.

Rotten food items, fruits, vegetables and dairy products were destroyed on spot. Meanwhile samples of certain food items were also lifted by the team for lab testing for comprehensive quality checking. The team also realised fine of Rs. 10200 from erring traders and shopkeepers.

The team also impressed upon the traders and vendors to abstain from overcharging, black marketing, hoarding and under scaling of food items and comply with trading/marketing ethics. Directions were passed to the concerned to display rate lists at conspicuous places outside shops for the information of general public. Special instructions were given meat/chicken shop owners and confectioners for ensuring hygienic conditions.

Pertinent to mention here that issue of overcharging by the shopkeepers on essential food items besides selling of expired and rotten items was reflected on various social networking sites including Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp.

The Deputy Commissioner Dr. Owais Ahmad said the market checking will be conducted regularly especially in the month of Ramadan so as to ensure that quality food items are provided to public. He appealed the public to bring into the notice of district administration about any malpractice by traders so that action is taken against defaulters.