Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday chaired a meeting on market regulation and directed the Food Safety Department to step up inspections to ensure that all food items meet prescribed quality and safety standards. He instructed officials to take strict action against violators to protect public health.
The directive comes amid a crackdown on substandard and rotten meat across Kashmir. On Saturday, officials from the Food Safety Department (FSD) seized and destroyed 35 kilograms of adulterated meat during a market inspection in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district.
The meat was found unfit for consumption during checks in local markets. “We destroyed at least 35 kg of rotten meat on the spot to prevent it from reaching consumers,” the official said.
The inspection was part of an ongoing campaign aimed at curbing the sale of unsafe meat products amid growing public concern over food quality. Over the past week, similar seizures have been reported from multiple districts of Kashmir, prompting authorities to intensify enforcement measures.
The Food Safety Department has urged consumers to carefully check the quality and validity of food items before purchase and consumption. “It is the right of people to know what they are eating. We appeal to the public to immediately report any suspicious or substandard products to the department,” the official added.
Restaurant owners, butchers and food vendors have been advised to maintain strict hygiene standards and ensure only quality meat products are sold. Authorities have warned that violators will face strict action, including fines and possible closure of establishments.
