Overview

Despite clear rules by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) mandating stunning before slaughter, many chicken shops across Nagpur continue to skip the process entirely. Experts say enforcement has effectively broken down on the ground, while most consumers remain unaware of these violations.

A ground visit to local markets revealed that these practices are not hidden but occur openly and routinely. Vendors slaughter live chickens at shop counters without stunning, licences, hygiene checks, or proper cold storage. They keep birds in overcrowded cages, often stacked one above the other, without adequate space or water, and carry out slaughter in full public view.

Rules in Place, Enforcement Falls Short

FSSAI guidelines require vendors to stun animals before slaughter and operate only in licensed facilities under hygienic conditions. However, most small shops fail to meet these standards. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversees food safety compliance, while the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) issues mandatory No Objection Certificates (NOCs). Although authorities claim to conduct inspections, enforcement on the ground remains inconsistent.

Experts point to the lack of proper infrastructure as a major reason for violations. Regulated slaughterhouses use controlled electrical stunning, but small vendors lack access to such equipment. Professor Mukund Kadam from Nagpur Veterinary College noted that the required technology is costly and specialised, leading many vendors to bypass the process and operate without proper authorisation.

Low Awareness Keeps Violations Unchecked

Limited consumer awareness further worsens the issue. Many buyers assume that open shops follow regulations, allowing unsafe practices to continue. While authorities can impose fines, deny licences, or seal units, weak and inconsistent action has allowed violations to persist across the city.

Source: The Hitavada