Urges public to report suspect products; Erring dealers will face full force of law: Assistant Commissioner
Srinagar: In the wake of the recent seizure of 1,200 kilograms of rotten meat from a godown in Srinagar, the Department of Food Safety Kashmir on Saturday assured the public that it is maintaining strict surveillance over the quality of food products in the region.
The department has also urged citizens to promptly report any suspected cases of adulteration or sale of substandard food items through its toll-free numbers.
Speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) about the incident, Assistant Commissioner of Food Safety, Hilal Ahmad Mir, provided details about the operation: “This happened in an industrial area in Zakura. Someone had brought in this meat and stored it improperly. The storage facility lacked the required temperature control—these products are supposed to be stored at minus 18 degrees Celsius. When we inspected, we found there was no temperature control, and the meat had completely decomposed. Given the circumstances, we immediately seized and properly disposed of the product.”
Mir explained that the bulk of meat and meat products in Srinagar are imported and then distributed locally. “The problem arises when highly perishable items like meat are not kept under the right temperature conditions. If such products are consumed, they can pose serious health risks to consumers,” he said.
Issuing a stern warning to dealers, Mir said, “I want to make it clear to all dealers that if they fail to maintain proper temperature control systems or handle food products correctly, they will face strict legal action. We are committed to upholding the law and will not hesitate to act against violators.”
Mir also encouraged the public to be vigilant and proactive. “Our control room number is available and has been widely published in electronic media. If anyone finds lapses in food quality or has a complaint, they should contact us immediately for swift action,” he said.
With high summer temperatures increasing the risk of food spoilage, the department has intensified its inspection drives. “We are actively checking other dealers too. In fact, I have just returned from an inspection. The public can be assured that we are closely monitoring all food products, especially those prone to adulteration or improper handling,” Mir said.
The Assistant Commissioner said that targeted action based on public complaints is often more effective than routine checks. “When we receive a complaint, our action is focused and result-oriented. Routine inspections can alert violators and give them time to hide issues, but with complaints, we know exactly where to act,” he said.
“People should be confident that the Food Safety Department is actively working to ensure the quality of all food products. Whenever there is a genuine concern, we take immediate and decisive action.”—(KNO)
