Call for strict food safety norms after seizure of unsafe meat

With authorities in Kashmir launching a massive crackdown on unsafe meat products, there is a growing chorus for the implementation of strict food safety regulations across the Union Territory.

Over the past week, panic has gripped the Valley after authorities confiscated nearly 13,000 kilograms of meat and related items during special enforcement drives. The crackdown comes amid rising concerns about the sale of substandard and potentially hazardous meat in local markets.

Most of the seizures have taken place in the Kashmir Valley, where officials found large quantities of rotten mutton, chicken, and other meat products—many of them without proper labelling, sourcing details, or packaging information.

The revelation has sparked widespread alarm and disrupted business for many local eateries and meat sellers. Citizens, civil society groups, and political leaders are now demanding stricter enforcement of food safety laws and comprehensive reforms in the food supply chain.

Political and civil reactions

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Zuhaib Yousuf Mir termed the recent seizures “deeply alarming,” calling them a reflection of moral and regulatory failure.

“This unsafe meat being consumed in the Valley for the past 15–16 years may have directly contributed to the rise in lifestyle diseases, including potentially fatal illnesses like cancer,” he said.

While he welcomed the government’s ongoing action, Mir stressed the need for similar crackdowns in other food-related industries, especially condiments, milk, and bottled water.

“There are reports of worms being found in bottled water and a man in Baramulla being arrested for producing fake chemical milk,” he said.

“Food safety is a critical aspect of public health. The J&K Government must enforce strict regulations through routine inspections. At the same time, public awareness and education can empower consumers to make informed choices, reducing health risks and promoting well-being,” he added.

Public safety demands

The Jammu & Kashmir Civil Society (JKCS), a prominent advocacy group in the region, has demanded the harshest punishment for those involved in the supply and sale of unsafe food. In a statement, the group urged authorities to book the offenders under the Public Safety Act (PSA) in addition to existing legal provisions.

“Food safety is a fundamental right. Those who compromise the health and trust of the public must face the strictest consequences,” the JKCS said.

Administrative and business response

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has ordered “exemplary punitive action” against anyone found guilty of selling or storing unsafe food products.

Meanwhile, leaders across the political spectrum have voiced concern over the issue. Hurriyat chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq expressed “deep shock and anguish” over the recent seizures by the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA).

The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCC&I) also issued a strong statement, emphasising that “the safety, health, and trust of the people must take precedence over all other considerations.”

“Those who compromise these values through the sale of unsafe and adulterated products must face the strictest legal consequences,” the chamber added.

As the crackdown continues, public pressure is mounting on the administration to not only maintain vigilance but also to institutionalise robust food safety mechanisms to prevent such incidents from recurring.