Port Blair, May 24: Today the Food Safety Department, A&N Administration carried out surprise inspections of Ice Cream manufacturing units at Port Blair.

Major ice cream manufacturing units of the city were inspected. The Food Safety Regulators checked the sanitary and hygienic conditions, good manufacturing and hygienic practices followed at the premises. They also inspected the labelling conditions and other relevant conditions as required under the provisions of Food Safety and Standards Act, Rules and Regulations made there under.

Altogether six major ice cream manufacturing units were inspected. Several deviations from the Food Safety Standards Act, Rules and Regulations were noticed. Improvement notices are being issued to all the units for proper rectifications of the violations observed within a time period of 14 days and submit compliance report failing which punitive actions against the violators will be initiated as deemed fit under the provisions of Food Safety and Standards Act, Rules and Regulations.

The Commissioner of Food Safety/the Deputy Commissioner has warned all stakeholders to abide by the Food Safety Act, Rules and Regulations and adhere to Good Manufacturing and Hygiene Practices as per the food safety Licensing & Registration of food business Regulations), 2011 failing which stringent actions will be initiated against the violators. The Food Safety Department is committed to ensure the availability of safe and hygienic food to the islanders. The general public can lodge their complaints at toll free No. 1077, 236168