Srinagar, August 7 — Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have seized more than three tonnes of rotten meat and confiscated large quantities of substandard dairy and sweets in an intensified crackdown on unsafe and unhygienic food products.
The Department of Food Safety said enforcement teams carried out coordinated raids and surprise inspections in Srinagar, Pulwama, and Ganderbal districts this week.
In Srinagar, the largest seizure occurred after a tip-off led officials to a nallah near Chinpoh Lasjan B, on the city’s outskirts, where about 800 kilograms of unsafe meat had been illegally dumped. Additional dumps were found at Khandey Colony, Nowgam, with 600 kilograms of meat in one location and another 600 kilograms nearby.
Earlier in the week, authorities seized 2,500 kababs made from frozen meat containing unapproved food coloring in the Safakadal and Parimpora areas, along with 150 kilograms of Gushtaba, a traditional meatball dish. In Ganderbal’s Nagbal area, 250 kilograms of deteriorated meat were destroyed on site.
Two food businesses in Ganderbal were sealed for violating hygiene and storage regulations. Officials warned that some violators are now dumping spoiled meat in open or abandoned sites to avoid fines and prosecution.
In Jammu division, enforcement teams confiscated 440 quintals of substandard rasgulla sweets and 8.2 quintals of paneer, both deemed unfit for human consumption. The seizures were made during routine inspections last week, and investigations are under way for possible legal action.
The Commissioner of Food and Drugs Administration reaffirmed the government’s zero-tolerance policy toward food safety violations.
“All food business operators are hereby warned to strictly comply with the Food Safety and Standards Act,” the Commissioner said in a statement. “Any deviation — whether in labeling, hygiene, or quality — will invite swift legal action.”
Consumers are urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious or substandard food products to the department’s toll-free helpline at 104.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
