INDIA –  Jammu and Kashmir Hotel and Restaurant Association (JKHARA), an organization representing the hotel and restaurant industry of the Eastern states, has held a training-cum-interactive workshop on the implementation of food safety measures among food business operators (FBOs).

This was in collaboration with the department of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and Restaurant Owners Association of Kashmir (RAK).

As per a statement, issued to Kashmir News Service (KNS), scores of food business operators and manufacturers participated in the workshop who were later given certificates.

The Assistant Commissioner of Food Safety Srinagar, who acted as one of the resource persons during the training workshop, enlightened the participants on hygienic handling of food and sanitation of food processing premises.

He said the department’s priority is the health of consumers and for that the food joint operators have to follow certain guidelines and maintain certain standards.

“The department on the basis of quality of food, ingredients and sanitary conditions would give food outlets ratings from star, excellent to poor and accordingly consumers can decide about visiting the restaurants,” he said.

Also present was the Deputy Commissioner Food Safety and other experts from outside Jammu and Kashmir who added to the participants knowledge on safe food practices.

President KCCI Sheikh Ashiq, who was also present on the occasion hailed JKHARA for holding such interactive programme. He pushed for more of such programmes to keep hotel and restaurant owners up to date about new guidelines and practices.

Showkat Chowdhary, JKHARA’s President, said they organized the session to create awareness on need for compliance with food safety standards and regulations in hotel and restaurants, so as to meet high levels of hygiene and guarantee that all food prepared is not only safe to eat for customers but healthy too.

He said such programmes will also bring confidence among consumers that the outlet owner is certified and is providing hygienic food.

JKHARA came into being in November 1956 when a few hotel owners came together and formed an association with basic objectives to look into and protect the interests of the Tourism and Hospitality Industry and to promote Tourism in Kashmir.

Ever since, JKHARA has continued playing a very strong and positive role towards safeguarding the interests of Hospitality sector and working towards promoting tourism.

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