Srinagar: A major food scandal has rocked Kashmir this week, as over 12,000 kilograms of rotten meat, both chicken and mutton, were seized across multiple districts, triggering widespread concern over food safety and regulatory oversight in the region.
Officials from the Department of Food Safety, along with district administration teams, launched surprise inspections after receiving complaints from locals about foul-smelling meat being sold in markets. The raids, conducted in Srinagar, Anantnag, Baramulla, Budgam, Ganderbal, Kupwara, and Pulwama, uncovered large quantities of expired and poorly stored meat, some of which had reportedly been repackaged to appear fresh.
Health authorities have confirmed that several butcher shops and cold storage units have been sealed. “Over 12,000 kg of substandard meat has been confiscated and destroyed as per protocol,” said Yasir Ahmad, a senior official with the food safety department. “Criminal proceedings have been initiated against the suppliers and vendors involved.”
The scandal has sent shockwaves across the Valley, with many residents expressing anger over the lax monitoring of food quality standards. Several local eateries and meat shops have faced temporary shutdowns, and health advisories have been issued warning the public to be cautious when purchasing meat products. Consumer rights groups have demanded stricter enforcement and the establishment of a dedicated meat testing lab in the Valley. Meanwhile, the J&K administration has ordered an internal review of food supply chains and cold storage practices.
