Srinagar, Aug 07: Acting on the directions of the Secretary, Health & Medical Education Department, the Department of Food Safety, under the supervision of the Commissioner, Food & Drugs Administration J&K, has intensified its crackdown on non-compliant Food Business Operators (FBOs) across Kashmir Valley.
Over the past two days, multiple surprise inspections and raids were carried out in various districts. In Srinagar’s Safakadal and Parimpora areas, officials seized 2,500 kababs found to be processed with frozen meat containing unpermitted food colours. The adulterated kababs were destroyed on the spot.
Additionally, 150 kilograms of meatballs (Gushtaba) were confiscated. Food samples were collected for further laboratory analysis and legal action.
In a separate operation in Nagbal, Ganderbal, around 250 kilograms of locally procured meat were destroyed due to visible signs of spoilage caused by poor storage and handling.
Two CRPF Jawans Dead, Several Injured as Vehicle Falls Into Gorge in J&K’s Udhampur
The crackdown has triggered sharp reactions from defaulting FBOs, with some reportedly dumping unsafe food at abandoned sites—two such cases were recorded in Kakapora (Pulwama) and Khandey Colony, Nawgam (Srinagar).
Further, two establishments in Ganderbal were sealed over unhygienic food storage conditions.
Reiterating its zero-tolerance policy, the Food Safety Department warned that strict legal action will continue against violators of food safety regulations. It urged all stakeholders dealing in high-risk food items to comply with the Food Safety and Standards Act, including hygiene norms and labeling rules.
The department remains committed to ensuring public health and providing safe, wholesome food to consumers. Citizens are encouraged to report food safety violations by calling the toll-free helpline: 104.
