Key Development

The ongoing crackdown on unsafe and rotten meat in Kashmir has severely impacted the region’s restaurant industry, with sales plunging by 70% in some areas and widespread public concern over food safety. On Sunday, food safety authorities seized 340 kg of unlabelled, unbranded meat near Srinagar Airport following a tip-off from the sales tax department. A day earlier, J&K Police registered two FIRs in Ganderbal against vendors accused of storing and selling expired meat. Since late July, authorities have recovered over 12,000 kg of rotten or unsafe meat, beginning with a major seizure at an industrial estate in Zakura. This triggered panic among consumers, many of whom have since avoided eating out.

Trust Crisis in the Hospitality Sector

Restaurant owners report that the fallout has severely affected business across the Kashmir Valley. According to the Hotels and Restaurants Owners Association (HROA), over 1,200 member establishments in Srinagar are facing sharp declines in sales, along with thousands of non-member eateries. Many outlets have lost up to 70% of their customers, with only a small portion of loyal patrons returning. Industry leaders believe that recovery will be slow unless authorities publicly identify those responsible, helping to restore consumer trust.

Authorities Step Up Enforcement

The Food and Drugs Administration has suspended the FSSAI licenses of nine meat dealers in Srinagar and Anantnag. State nodal officer Firdous Ahmad said, “Market checking is ongoing. We’re issuing advisories regularly.” Police have intensified raids, and the Srinagar police registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including charges related to selling noxious food and public health negligence.

Call for Clear Action and Accountability

Industry leaders are urging the government to bring the case to a “logical conclusion.” Maqbool and others have asked for strict punishment for those involved and official clarification to protect law-abiding businesses. The issue has also sparked concerns around halal certification and the quality of imported packaged meat, which experts say makes up only a small portion of the Valley’s meat supply. The J&K government has warned that selling substandard meat can result in fines up to ₹5 lakh and jail terms of up to six years.

Source: The Hindustan Times