'Government issues detailed advisory for food safety during Amarnath Yatra': Here's the list of Dos and Don'ts

June 26, 2025 by News Desk

Ahead of the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2025, the Jammu and Kashmir Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has issued a comprehensive advisory to all langar organisers, outlining mandatory food safety and hygiene practices.

The advisory, a copy of which is available with The Kashmiriyat, is aimed at preventing food-borne illnesses and maintaining public health standards during the pilgrimage that attracts lakhs of devotees each year.

According to the advisory, langar operators must first obtain valid FSSAI food registration by applying online through the designated portal. A minimal registration fee along with identification documents of the responsible person is required. Without this registration, no langar will be permitted to operate.

It further mandates that all food handlers must wear clean uniforms and headgear and maintain strict personal hygiene while preparing or handling food. They must also undergo medical examination by registered medical practitioners to ensure they are fit to serve.

Potable water must be used for all food preparation and cleaning activities. The advisory also stresses on maintaining cleanliness across vending and preparation areas. Cooked and raw foods should be stored separately under controlled temperatures to avoid cross-contamination, and separate chopping boards and knives must be used for raw and cooked food items.

Langar organisers have been directed to keep refrigeration equipment such as freezers and chillers in good working condition and to defrost them regularly. Cooking practices must follow safety standards, with all food cooked at or above 72°C. Hot food should be maintained at temperatures above 60°C, cold food below 5°C, and frozen products at temperatures lower than -18°C.

To avoid spoilage, the advisory instructs food handlers to follow First In First Out (FIFO) and First Expiry First Out (FEFO) practices while using raw materials. Additionally, langars are to be installed only at sites approved by the competent authority, and food items must be prepared strictly as per the menu prescribed by the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB). All packaged food must be checked for manufacturing and expiry dates before use.

Among the don’ts, the advisory clearly prohibits the operation of langars without valid FSSAI registration and forbids procurement of raw material from unauthorized vendors. It also discourages food wastage and mandates the use of separate waste or recycling bins for disposal of leftovers.

Further, the use of unapproved additives or synthetic food colours is strictly banned. The advisory also instructs that food should not be stored or wrapped in newspapers or non-food grade packaging. A notice board displaying the type of oil, ghee, or vanaspati used in cooking must be visibly placed at every langar.

The presence of pets or animals inside langar premises is not permitted, nor is the use of raw material placed directly on the floor. Smoking or chewing tobacco during food preparation or service is also forbidden. Importantly, anyone suffering from an infectious disease must not be allowed to work in the kitchen.

“This is not a routine circular,” a senior official from the FDA told The Kashmiriyat. “We are dealing with lakhs of pilgrims walking in difficult terrain under high-altitude conditions. Any lapse in food hygiene can have serious consequences. That’s why we are insisting on strict compliance.”

Commissioner Smita Sethi, who issued the advisory, has appealed to the general public and pilgrims to report any concerns about food quality via the department’s toll-free helpline (104) or email ([cfsjandk@gmail.com](mailto:cfsjandk@gmail.com)). The department has also asked for the advisory to be published in all leading dailies across Jammu and Kashmir for at least three consecutive days for maximum outreach.

Firdous Ahmad, the State Nodal Officer, said, “Our teams will be on the ground to ensure implementation. The safety of the yatris is our highest priority.”

The Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, which traverses through high-altitude routes in south Kashmir, is scheduled to begin shortly and will see a surge in footfall in the coming days.

Authorities are keen to ensure that food provided along the route is safe, hygienic, and prepared under strict supervision.