Baltal (Ganderbal), Aug 15: While thousands of pilgrims trek through the mountains to the Holy Cave, Food Safety Department teams are keeping a close watch on the food being served along the Amarnath Yatra routes.
The department, working under the Jammu and Kashmir Food and Drugs Administration, has deployed teams at major transit points and base camps, including Baltal and Pahalgam, to inspect langars and other food outlets.
Mobile Food Testing Vans have also been deployed to check food items and drinking water on the spot.
Officials said teams are inspecting raw-material storage, cooking areas, utensils and water quality during daily checks.
“So far, 576 food samples have been tested and 354 langars inspected”, officials said.
They said the department has also organised 144 awareness programmes involving more than 1,200 people and held 103 training sessions during the Yatra.
Officials said expired, damaged or substandard food items found during inspections are destroyed on the spot.
The department is also training food handlers and sewadars on basic hygiene and safe food handling.
They are being advised to use masks, hairnets and gloves and take precautions against cross-contamination.
Officials said teams are also checking compliance with the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board’s food guidelines, including restrictions on excessive oil, salt and sugar.
Heavy fried food, carbonated drinks and other prohibited items are not allowed along the high-altitude routes.
“Serving thousands of pilgrims at high altitudes requires absolute vigilance. Our goal is simple: ensure every pilgrim receives wholesome, safe food so they can complete their holy pilgrimage in good health,” a senior food safety officer at Baltal base camp said.
Food inspections and sample testing will continue through the Yatra period, officials said.
