FDA Destroys Over 3,500 Kg of Rotten, Unlabelled Meat Across Kashmir
The operation follows the discovery of 1,200 kg of decomposed meat at a trader’s premises in an industrial area on the outskirts of Srinagar on July 31.
A major food safety drive in Kashmir has resulted in the seizure and destruction of over 3,500 kilograms of decomposed and unlabelled meat, sparking public concerns over food quality and health risks.
According to officials, the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has been conducting a crackdown over the past several days across the valley. The action comes after the recovery of 1,200 kg of rotten meat from a trader’s premises in an industrial area near Srinagar on July 31.
Following this, the FDA intensified inspections. In the Lasjan area of Pulwama district, more than 500 kg of decayed meat was seized, allegedly intended for supply to restaurants and hotels.
Further surprise raids were carried out in Safakadal and Parimpora, where enforcement teams confiscated 2,500 kebabs reportedly prepared using frozen meat mixed with banned food colouring. Officials also seized 150 kg of meatballs during these operations.
Food safety officers collected samples for testing, while the adulterated products were destroyed on the spot to eliminate any health hazard.
In another case in Ganderbal’s Nagbal area, around 250 kg of meat had to be destroyed due to visible spoilage caused by improper storage and handling.
Officials stated that most of the seized meat had been transported or stored without proper labelling or cold-chain facilities, posing serious health risks to the public.
The crackdown has triggered backlash from some food business operators (FBOs), who have reportedly dumped unsafe meat in deserted areas to evade inspection. In Pulwama’s Gallandar area, about 350 kg of meat was found abandoned by the roadside, while similar dumping was reported from Khandey Colony in Nawgam.
The situation has alarmed consumers, religious scholars, and health experts. Doctors have warned that consumption of such meat can lead to severe illnesses like food poisoning and typhoid.
Dr Mohammad Salim Khan, Head of the Department of Community Medicine at Government Medical College Srinagar, said that poor handling of meat can result in bacterial contamination and disease.
J&K Grand Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam has issued a religious decree declaring the sale and consumption of such meat as haram. Hurriyat chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq also voiced deep concern in his Friday sermon.
The Department of Food Safety has affirmed that it will continue its zero-tolerance policy and take strict legal action against all violations.
