| Rotten deals: J&K battling invasion of spoiled meat, fake food products | | Thousands of kilos of expired meat, poultry, and fish seized and destroyed as authorities tighten noose on food mafia ahead of festive season. | | Atul Sharma
Early Times Report
Jammu, Aug 10: In a sensational and sweeping crackdown, authorities across Jammu and Kashmir have launched an unprecedented assault on the illegal sale of rotten, expired, and unhygienic food items flooding markets in the run-up to the festive season. For the seventh consecutive day, joint teams of the Food Safety Department (FSD) and the Legal Metrology Department (LMD) have intensified inspections, uncovering a food safety crisis of alarming proportions.
In a major bust in the Baramulla district of north Kashmir, officials seized over two quintals of spoiled mutton, declared unfit for human consumption. Meanwhile, in Jammu city, a staggering 2,700 kg of expired fish and chicken was confiscated in a late-night raid and immediately destroyed at the Kot Bhalwal dumping site under supervision of the Jammu Municipal Corporation.
“This is just the tip of the iceberg,” warned Manoj Prabhakar, Deputy Controller, Legal Metrology Department, Jammu. “We have conducted surprise raids in multiple localities, focusing on frozen goods shipped from outside the Union Territory. Shockingly, 27 quintals of rotten meat products were found stored in highly unsanitary conditions.”
Three shopkeepers now face legal action under the Legal Metrology Act, with cases registered and improvement notices issued under the Food Safety and Standards Act. Prabhakar stressed that packaging dates, storage conditions, expiry labels, and price compliance were all being scrutinized during inspections.
The operation comes days after over 3,500 kg of adulterated meat was destroyed in the Kashmir Valley, triggering public outrage and a full-blown investigation into the food supply chain. Disturbing reports continue to pour in from several districts, where chicken, kababs, cheese, and even sweets were found unfit for sale.
An FSD official made a direct appeal to citizens: “People must wake up. You have the right to know what’s on your plate. Always check expiry labels and report any foul-smelling or mislabelled items. Your complaint can save lives.”
With the festive season around the corner and food consumption expected to spike, the crackdown sends a strong message. Authorities have issued strict warnings to restaurant owners, meat sellers, and food vendors to maintain hygiene or face hefty fines, legal action, and even shutdowns.
This ongoing operation marks one of the largest food safety offensives in recent years, as the administration doubles down on ensuring public health is not compromised by greed and negligence. Officials have vowed to continue aggressive surveillance of food markets across the Union Territory in the coming weeks. |
|
