MC imposes fine on shops selling unhygienic meat

JAMMU: The Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) has found flagrant violation of norms set for meat sellers in the city. During an inspection conducted by the veterinary wing of the corporation it was found that unhygienic meat products are being sold to consumers with many of the shops running without licence.

Tribune News Service

Jammu, January 16

The Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) has found flagrant violation of norms set for meat sellers in the city. During an inspection conducted by the veterinary wing of the corporation it was found that unhygienic meat products are being sold to consumers with many of the shops running without licence.

A drive was launched by the JMC following complaints by people. Despite several orders issued by the JMC, it has been observed that hygiene norms and practices are not being observed. Also waste parts are dumped in public drains alongside streets.

The drive was launched in Bantalab, Janipur, New Plot, Subash Nagar, Rehari, CPO Chowk and Panjtirthi.

“We have imposed a fine of Rs 8,400 on shops in the city for selling unstamped and substandard meat to consumers. We have issued a strict warning to the shop owners,” Dr Jaswant Singh, Municipal Veterinary Officer, said.

As per the Jammu Municipal Corporation Act-2000, Food Safety and Standard Act-2006 and Licensing and Registration of Food Business Regulation, no meat shop is allowed to slaughter animals on its premises and it can only be done in a licensed slaughterhouse, but these rules are being openly flouted.

“Inspection also revealed the unhygienic conditions near shops selling and processing the meat products which could have negative effects on the health of people,” said a municipal official.

A few years back, the authorities had issued an order for stunning of the animals to be slaughtered, but no step has been taken by the corporation to implement the rules.

“Majority of the meat shops which have mushroomed in the city during the past one decade slaughter animals within the shop and waste items are dumped in the drains attracting stray dogs and spreading foul smell. This should stop,” said Suresh Gupta, a resident of New Plot.

In majority of the areas, meat sellers are throwing all the unconsumed parts and other wastes in nearby drains thus leading to blockade, foul smell and attracting stray dogs. It has become a nuisance.