Food Safety Deptt intensifies drive against unsafe food in Ganderbal

Ganderbal, Aug 8: The Department of Food Safety, has intensified its enforcement drive against unsafe, unhygienic, and adulterated food products in Ganderbal district amid the rising concern about the food safety following the seizure of large quantity of rotten and adulterated meat and other food items across Kashmir.

In the recent crackdown, the department raided multiple restaurants and food establishments in Ganderbal, Kangan and Safapora, seizing and destroying large quantities of deteriorated chicken and mutton products.

Additionally, large quantities of meatballs (Gushtaba) were also seized during the operations. Legal food samples of the seized products were collected by Food Safety Officers for detailed analysis and further legal action.

In a separate raid in district Ganderbal, huge quantities of procured meat were destroyed due to visible signs of deterioration caused by improper handling and storage conditions. The crackdown has evoked strong reactions from defaulting FBOs, some of whom have resorted to illegally dumping unsafe food items at abandoned sites.

Food Safety Department officials led by Food Safety officer, Ganderbal Sheikh Abbas raided several restaurant eateries at Beehama and Kangan areas and Seized rotten mutton varieties.

Inspections revealed rotten and unhygienic meat being sold at some locations, prompting strict action against violators. Food items deemed unfit for human consumption were destroyed on the spot, and vendors were directed to follow Good Hygienic Practices (GHP), officials said.

The District Officer of the FSD in Ganderbal confirmed that routine inspections have been stepped up in markets. “We are committed to safeguarding public health. Any meat found unfit for consumption is immediately seized and destroyed,” the officer said.

The Food Safety Department remains committed to protecting public health by ensuring the availability of safe and wholesome food. Consumers are encouraged to report any food safety concerns or complaints with the department. All stakeholders, especially those dealing in high-risk food items, are once again advised to strictly adhere to the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, including mandatory labeling requirements and hygiene protocols, the officials said.