Strict Measures to Combat Food Safety Violations
Enhanced Inspections Across All Districts
Food Testing Labs to Be Established at Every District Headquarters to Boost Government Enforcement
Strengthening of Food and Drugs Control Organization
Srinagar,: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today chaired a high-level meeting to review the ongoing campaign against food safety violations following recent seizures of unsafe meat and meat products, especially in the Kashmir Valley.
The Chief Minister ordered stringent punitive action against those involved in storing or selling unsafe food, emphasizing that offenders jeopardizing public health will be prosecuted under the Food Safety & Standards Act. He called for criminal proceedings against the most serious violators.
“This serious issue has gone unchecked for too long. Irresponsible actors have endangered public health and lives. This must end, and those deliberately compromising safety must face the law,” said the Chief Minister.
He commended officials for their efforts in exposing weaknesses in the food supply chain and reiterated that there can be no compromise on public health. The campaign will continue, with audits of relevant departments and measures to halt the import, sale, and use of unhygienic meat and other food items.
To reinforce quality control, the Chief Minister directed the setup of entry-point check posts and food testing laboratories at Lakhanpur and Qazigund to screen mutton, chicken, and other perishables entering Jammu & Kashmir. Furthermore, he ordered that Food Testing Laboratories be established at every district headquarters, expanding beyond Jammu and Srinagar to significantly strengthen enforcement. No meat is to be sold or used without proper clearance.
He also emphasized enhancing the Food Safety and Drugs Control Organization to ensure rigorous monitoring and swift action against violations.
The Chief Minister instructed intensified inspection drives across all districts, with Deputy Commissioners personally leading surprise market checks to enforce hygiene and quality standards. All mobile food-testing vans are to be deployed immediately to support these efforts.
Acknowledging public and media concerns, the CM urged citizens to report violations to authorities rather than resorting to vigilante actions. He directed the Food Safety Department to follow due process, collaborate with police for surprise raids, and avoid harassing compliant traders.
An order was issued to register all food distributors, traders, and vendors under a formal licensing framework. An inter-departmental committee will be formed to coordinate enforcement, particularly ensuring the distribution and sale of safe, hygienic, fresh, and properly labeled perishables such as meat and chicken.
Departments were instructed to verify that meat supplies come from safe sources, that cold chains are maintained, and cold stores are equipped with deep-freezing facilities. The CM expressed serious concern over the use of harmful chemicals, unauthorized synthetic additives, and coloring agents, stressing their health risks.
Health experts from SKIMS and GMC Srinagar briefed the meeting on the dangers of food adulteration and the rising incidence of chronic illnesses linked to unsafe food, urging changes in dietary habits.
The meeting was attended by key officials including Health & Education Minister Sakina Itoo, Agriculture Minister Javed Ahmed Dar, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Minister Satish Sharma, and senior bureaucrats.
Dr. Abid Rashid Shah detailed recent enforcement actions, including seizures and penalties, and outlined a 30-day action plan involving:
- Mapping all food businesses and vendors
- Intensified inspection drives
- Public reporting campaigns through “Dial 104”
- Community engagement initiatives
- Establishing entry check posts at Lakhanpur and Qazigund
Concluding the session, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reaffirmed the government’s resolve to take coordinated action to eliminate violations related to the sale, storage, and distribution of perishable food items—especially meat, meat products, and dairy—ensuring maximum consumer safety and public health protection.
