Kashmir Impulse Desk

Anantnag, May 15

The Food Safety Department in Anantnag district has seized 150 cases of a basil seed drink allegedly being sold under a fake imported label, with officials estimating the value of the stock at around Rs 3.56 lakh.

The seizures were made during raids conducted at multiple locations across the district following what officials described as credible inputs regarding the sale of the product in local markets.

The inspections were carried out at trading establishments in the General Bus Stand area, Bypass Road and Pushoo Market in Anantnag, officials said on Thursday.

According to the department, the product was marketed under the “American” brand and labelled as a “Product of Thailand” purportedly manufactured by a Bangkok-based company.

However, officials said scrutiny of the packaging revealed several discrepancies, including the absence of mandatory importer details and the use of what authorities described as a fake Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) licence number.

“Investigation conducted so far suggests that despite being marketed as an imported commodity, the product is suspected to have been manufactured locally,” a Food Safety Department official said.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the consignments had allegedly been sourced from firms based in Sonipat, New Delhi and Jammu, officials added.

The seized stock has been taken into custody for legal proceedings under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, while samples have been sent for laboratory analysis.

The department said it remained committed to safeguarding public health and urged consumers to exercise caution while purchasing products carrying suspicious or misleading labels.