Procedural delays in handling of rotten meat mess worrying: GCC

Srinagar, Aug 25: The Group of Concerned Citizens ( GCC) J&K has expressed serious concern on  “non- disclosure of locations /outlets raided upon recurring  reports of sale and service of rotten meat  and other  sub-standard  food stuff “.  The Group has urged the Government to share  the outcome of investigations  if only to assuage the widespread public angst and dispel increasing  suspicion on “surreptitious silence surrounding the alleged scam,” said a press release.

In the statement isssued here today, the GCC appealed to the LG Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to ensure “there is no lag or laxity on the part of investigation or enforcement agencies, the  Police Department ,and Food & Drug Administration ( FDA) in particular”.

Citing the latest data presented in Parliament, the GCC said the food safety and standards scenario in Jammu & Kashmir  was  ” highly disturbing” , demanding a close re-look at the professional worth and  wherewithal of FDA with a view to making it strong enough to deliver on the mandate of Food Safety Act and Regulations thereunder” .

On the other ennd, there is a dire need of sustained scrutiny and  surveillance  on the part of Jammu and Srinagar Municipal Corporations and other Municipal Councils and Committees in the UT, it said.