Srinagar, Aug 8 (KDC): A rift by food security authorities on unhealthy and expired meat in Jammu and Kashmir has recently triggered the fear of widespread public, many people avoid hotels, restaurants and roadside restaurants.
According to Srinagar-based news-active agency Kashmir.com, enforcement teams exploded after abolishing hundreds of kilograms of stale mutton, contaminated poultry, and many establishments packed with several establishments in Srinagar, Gandarbal and other districts. Shocking scenes from the raid – showing disintegrated meat stored in unnatural circumstances – went viral on social media, causing anger and mistrust among consumers.
Hundreds of kilograms of seized and sociable meat were seized, allegedly in an open area near Novam, close to the railway station and on other sites in the outer areas of the city, raising fresh concerns over public health hazards and waste disposal practices.
Shabir Ahmed, a resident of Srinagar, said, “I used to eat outside at least twice a week, but after seeing what was recovered, I no longer have courage.” “We are now strictly eating food.”
According to hotelier and owners of the restaurant, the decline is immediate. Customer footfall has fallen rapidly, especially in mid-range and budget eateries. “The disadvantage to the public trust is immense,” the manager of a popular Srinagar restaurant admitted. “Even the strict hygiene of us maintains, they are facing loss because people are avoiding eating completely.”
Some businesses have tried to assure customers by publicly displaying ‘fresh meat certified’ notices or by showing purchases from licensed suppliers. However, the Food Safety Officers warns that sporadic self-declaration is no alternative to continuous inspection and compliance.
A senior official of the Food Safety Department said, “We will continue astonishing investigation in all the districts. Anyone who violates security criteria will have to face heavy fines, license suspension and even criminal action.”
Health experts have also stepped into debate, warning that stale or contaminated meat intake can cause severe food poisoning, gastrointestinal infection and other health complications.
The dispute has ruled the demands of a strict, transparent food security regime in Jammu and Kashmir, including the essential audit of eateries, monitoring of supply chain and stringent punishment for violations.
Till then, for many residents, the safest option is to keep your food strictly at home. (KDC)
