Rotten Meat Scandal: 5 Court Complaints Filed, 9 Licences Suspended

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Food Safety Department on Tuesday said that so far, 11,000 kg of meat has been seized in the Union Territory as part of its intensified drive against the ongoing meat scandal in Kashmir.

The department also stated that it has suspended four licences of violators in Srinagar, in addition to five already suspended in Anantnag. It further said that five complaints against rotten meat sellers have been filed in court under the Food Safety Act, while meat and fish samples have been sent outside Jammu and Kashmir for testing.

Assistant Commissioner, Intelligence Cell Food Safety Kashmir, Hilal Ahmad Mir, said that more than 11,000 kilograms of meat have been seized during the ongoing drive across the Union Territory. “We have collected meat and fish samples and sent them outside Jammu and Kashmir for laboratory testing. We are waiting for the final reports, which will determine the next course of action,” Mir said.

The officials in the department further revealed that five complaints regarding rotten or substandard meat have already been filed in court under the Food Safety Act.

However, the department clarified that filing a First Information Report (FIR) lies solely with the police. “Lodging of FIRs is the prerogative of the police. Our department’s responsibility is to inspect, seize, and take legal action under the Food Safety Act,” a senior official of the department said.

Highlighting immediate enforcement steps, the official said, “Today we have suspended four licences in Srinagar and in Anantnag, five licences have already been suspended.”

However, the Food Department appealed to the public not to spread panic or fall prey to misinformation. “People should not believe in exaggerated reports. Those who are running their businesses lawfully and maintaining hygiene deserve appreciation. Our action is only against violators who are putting public health at risk.”

Meanwhile, Commissioner of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) J&K, Smita Sethi, confirmed that the department is acting under direct instructions from the government.

“We have clear directions from the Chief Minister and the concerned Minister not to spare anyone guilty of compromising food safety,” Sethi told said.

She explained that the enforcement wing has been asked to intensify inspections across the food supply chain — from abattoirs and meat shops to fish markets and wholesale suppliers.

“Our teams are conducting regular inspections, carrying out surprise raids, and taking strict action against those involved in selling adulterated or substandard meat. The drive will not only continue but will be further intensified,” she assured.

According to officials, the sustained crackdown aims to safeguard public health and restore consumer confidence in the market. “The goal is not to harass genuine traders but to ensure that citizens get clean, hygienic, and safe food,” a senior official said.

Food safety experts have raised alarms over the health risks linked to contaminated meat, which can cause food poisoning, gastrointestinal infections, and other serious illnesses. “It is important for consumers to stay alert, report suspected adulteration, and only purchase meat from licensed shops,” the department said.

The Food Safety Department also reassured traders that those maintaining hygiene and complying with rules will not face any trouble. “The aim is not to create fear among traders. Those who follow the law and provide clean meat will continue their business without interference. Action will only be taken against those violating norms,” officials clarified.

The department has made it clear that further legal action, including cancellation of licences and additional court proceedings, will be taken once laboratory test results are received from outside Jammu and Kashmir.

With the campaign now entering a stricter phase, authorities have sent a strong warning to violators. “This is about the health and safety of every citizen. No one will be spared if found guilty of compromising food safety standards,” Commissioner Sethi said firmly.  (KINS)