Srinagar: As part of the government’s ongoing drive to uphold food safety and quality standards across Jammu and Kashmir, Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Satish Sharma, led a rigorous inspection campaign across various locations in Srinagar on Friday. The inspection covered FCI godowns, fair price shops, hotels, restaurants, and street food vendors.
Accompanied by Dr. Owais Ahmad, Director FCS&CA, along with senior officials from the Food Corporation of India, Food Safety Department, and Legal Metrology Department, the Minister began his visit at the Food Corporation of India (FCI) godowns. He assessed stock management practices, storage infrastructure, sanitation, and adherence to quality control protocols.
“There is zero tolerance for negligence. Every step—from unloading to distribution—must meet the highest standards. The quality and safety of food grains are non-negotiable,” he asserted, directing officials to implement regular audits, ensure pest control, maintain ventilation, and keep accurate stock records to prevent pilferage and wastage.
The Minister also inspected several fair price shops, interacting with both shopkeepers and beneficiaries under the Public Distribution System (PDS). He reviewed stock registers, assessed the availability and quality of essential commodities, and called for complete transparency in ration distribution. He warned that any irregularities in quantity, quality, or pricing would lead to license suspension and strict legal action.
In response to recent reports of adulterated meat being sold in parts of Kashmir, the Minister conducted surprise inspections of hotels, restaurants, and street vendors. The checks focused on the source and storage of meat, hygiene practices, and the freshness of raw ingredients.
Expressing serious concern over these practices, Satish Sharma said, “Those involved in selling or storing adulterated meat are endangering lives. This is not just a violation—it’s a criminal act. The government will take immediate and strict action, including sealing of premises, cancellation of licenses, and prosecution under food safety and public health laws.”
He also condemned the practice of dumping spoiled meat in deserted areas to evade detection, calling it a dangerous and unacceptable tactic that will not shield violators from legal consequences.
Sharma instructed enforcement squads to maintain heightened vigilance, especially in sensitive zones, and to carry out round-the-clock surprise inspections of high-risk establishments. He also stressed the need for supply chain monitoring to identify and dismantle entire networks involved in the adulterated meat trade—from suppliers to end sellers.
Appealing to the public for cooperation, the Minister said, “Protecting public health is our utmost priority, and we urge citizens to report any suspicious or unhygienic food practices. This is a collective fight, and with community support, we will ensure that no unsafe or adulterated food reaches our people’s plates.”
Reaffirming the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards food adulteration, Sharma assured that enforcement efforts will continue with full intensity across all districts.
“We are fully committed to eliminating unsafe food from the markets and ensuring that every resident of Jammu and Kashmir has access to safe, quality food,” he added.
