SRINAGAR, AUGUST 11, 2025 – Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chaired a high-level meeting today to address the alarming issue of unsafe food, particularly unsafe meat and meat products, in Jammu & Kashmir, with a focus on the Kashmir Valley. Emphasizing zero tolerance for public health violations, he announced stringent measures to curb food safety violations and ensure consumer safety.
Strict Action Against Offenders
CM Abdullah directed exemplary punitive action against individuals and businesses found storing or selling unsafe food. Offenders posing risks to public health will face prosecution under the Food Safety & Standards Act, with criminal proceedings for the most serious violators. “Unscrupulous elements have played with the health and lives of people. This has to stop, and those deliberately involved must face the law,” he stated.
Strengthening Enforcement Mechanisms
To enhance food safety enforcement, the Chief Minister ordered:
- Food Testing Laboratories at every district headquarters, moving beyond the current limitation to Jammu and Srinagar, to bolster the government’s enforcement capacity.
- Entry-point check posts and testing labs at Lakhanpur and Qazigund to screen perishable items like mutton and chicken entering Jammu & Kashmir.
- Strengthening the Food and Drugs Control Organization for rigorous monitoring and swift action against violations.
- Registration of all food distributors, traders, and vendors under a formal licensing framework to ensure compliance with safety standards.
Intensified Inspections and Audits
Omar Abdullah instructed intensified inspection drives across all districts, with Deputy Commissioners leading surprise market checks to enforce hygiene and quality standards. All mobile food-testing vans will be deployed immediately to support these operations. He also called for an audit of concerned departments to curb the import, sale, and use of unhygienic meat and other food items.
Focus on Safe Food Supply
The government will verify that meat supplies originate from safe sources, maintain a proper cold chain, and are stored in facilities equipped with deep-freezing capabilities. The CM took serious note of harmful practices, such as the use of unauthorized synthetic additives, harmful chemicals, and colouring agents, which pose significant health hazards.
Public and Media Engagement
Acknowledging public and media concerns, CM Abdullah urged citizens to report issues to authorities via the Dial 104 helpline and avoid vigilante actions. He directed the Food Safety Department to follow due process, collaborate with police for surprise raids, and avoid harassing compliant traders.
Health Risks Highlighted
Health experts, including the Director of SKIMS and the Principal of GMC Srinagar, highlighted the dangers of food adulteration, linking unsafe food to the rising incidence of chronic illnesses. They advocated for changes in food habits to promote better health outcomes.
30-Day Action Plan
Dr. Abid Rashid Shah, Secretary of Health & Medical Education, outlined a comprehensive 30-day action plan, including:
- Mapping all food businesses and vendors.
- Intensified inspection drives.
- Public reporting campaigns via Dial 104.
- Community engagement initiatives.
- Establishing entry check posts at Lakhanpur and Qazigund.
Inter-Departmental Coordination
An inter-departmental committee will be formed to ensure coordination among departments like Food Safety, Food Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Agriculture, Industries & Commerce, Home, Housing & Urban Development, and District Administration for efficient enforcement.CM’s Appeal to the PublicCM Abdullah appealed to citizens to remain vigilant and avoid purchasing processed meat from unauthorized vendors. “There can be no compromise on public health, and the drive will continue,” he emphasized, reiterating the government’s commitment to ensuring safe, hygienic, and properly labeled perishable items like meat and dairy.
Attendees
The meeting was attended by key officials, including Health & Education Minister Sakina Itoo, Agriculture Minister Javed Ahmed Dar, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Minister Satish Sharma, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, and other senior officials from relevant departments.
Conclusion
The Jammu & Kashmir government, under CM Omar Abdullah’s leadership, is taking decisive steps to address food safety violations, protect public health, and ensure a robust food safety enforcementsystem. With new testing facilities, stricter regulations, and coordinated efforts, the administration aims to eliminate unsafe food practices and safeguard consumers across the region.
