Over 3 Tonnes of Rotten Meat, Diary Products Seized in Jammu Kashmir

SRINAGAR: The Department of Food Safety, Jammu and Kashmir, has intensified its enforcement drive against unsafe, unhygienic, and adulterated food products. Authorities have seized over three tonnes of rotten meat in Kashmir and confiscated large quantities of substandard dairy and sweet products in Jammu.

In Kashmir, enforcement teams carried out coordinated raids and surprise inspections across Srinagar, Pulwama, and Ganderbal. The biggest haul came after a tip-off led officials to a nallah near Chinpoh Lasjan B on the outskirts of Srinagar, where approximately 800 kilograms of unsafe meat had been illegally dumped. Additional dumps were discovered at Khandey Colony, Nowgam (600 kg) and another one again nearby location in Nowgam (600 kg).

These findings add to seizures from earlier in the week, including 2,500 kababs processed using frozen meat containing unapproved food colouring in the Safakadal and Parimpora areas of Srinagar, and 150 kilograms of Gushtaba (traditional meatballs). In Ganderbal’s Nagbal area, 250 kilograms of visibly deteriorated meat were destroyed on site.

Two food business operators in Ganderbal had their premises sealed after being found in violation of hygiene and storage regulations. Officials noted that some defaulters are now resorting to dumping spoiled food at abandoned or open locations to avoid penalties.

Meanwhile, in the Jammu division, enforcement teams seized 440 quintals of substandard Rasgulla and 8.2 quintals of paneer, both found unfit for human consumption. The consignments were confiscated during routine inspections carried out last week and are currently under investigation for further legal action.

The Commissioner of Food and Drugs Administration, Jammu and Kashmir, has reaffirmed a zero-tolerance policy for food safety violations. “All food business operators are hereby warned to strictly comply with the Food Safety and Standards Act. Any deviation, whether in labelling, hygiene, or quality, will invite swift legal action,” the Commissioner in the press note said.

Consumers have been urged to stay alert and report any suspicious or substandard food products to the department’s toll-free helpline 104.