Asif Iqbal Naik
Kishtwar, Jan 14: In a significant action to safeguard public health, the Food Safety Department, District Kishtwar, has imposed an immediate ban on the sale of Choco Orange (SBC), a confectionery product marketed under the brand name “Dazzy Choco Orange”, after laboratory analysis declared the product unsafe for human consumption.
According to an official order issued by the Designated Officer, Food Safety, District Kishtwar, a sample of the said product was lifted by the Food Safety Officer, Headquarters Kishtwar, during routine inspection. The sample pertained to Batch No. 0136, manufactured by Dazzy Food Industries, Plot No. 515, Sayaji Market, Sayajipura, Vadodara – 390019, Gujarat, bearing Food License No. 10714024000075.
The sample was sent for analysis to the National Food Laboratory, Ghaziabad (UP). As per the laboratory report No. JK-770/JAN/26/908 dated 01-01-2026, the product was found unsafe due to the presence of water-soluble synthetic colour “Sunset Yellow FCF” in excess of the maximum prescribed limit, in violation of Regulation 2.7.1 of the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011.
The report further states that the product falls under the category of unsafe food as defined under Section 3(1)(zz)(vii)(xi) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Health experts have cautioned that consumption of food items containing synthetic colours beyond permissible limits may pose serious health risks, particularly to children.
Taking cognizance of the findings and in the interest of public health, Assistant Commissioner and Designated Officer, Food Safety, District Kishtwar, Farooq Ahmed Sheikh, exercising powers under Section 36(3)(b) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, has prohibited the manufacturing, sale, storage, and distribution of the said product within Kishtwar district with immediate effect, until further orders.
The order has been circulated to the Commissioner Food and Drugs J&K, District Magistrate Kishtwar, Deputy Commissioner Food Safety Jammu, and the District Information Officer Kishtwar with instructions for wide publicity through leading newspapers to ensure public awareness.
The Food Safety Department has also advised consumers to avoid purchasing or consuming the banned product and urged shopkeepers and distributors to immediately withdraw the item from their shelves, failing which strict legal action will be initiated under the Food Safety and Standards Act.
