Jammu, Feb 13: The issue of sale of rotten and unsafe meat led to heated exchanges in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Friday, with several MLAs demanding strict enforcement, stronger preventive measures, and even attachment of properties of those involved in the illegal trade.
The matter was raised through Assembly Question Nos. 10, 94, 569 and 757 by MLAs Mubarak Gul, Mir Saifullah, Pirzada Farooq Ahmad Shah and Hasnain Masoodi regarding “Food Adulteration and Sale of Rotten Meat.”
During the discussion, members expressed serious concern over public health, alleging that consumption of rotten food could be contributing to rising cancer cases and frequent disease outbreaks.
Mubarak Gul urged authorities to identify those involved in the illegal trade and attach their properties to send a strong message. Farooq Ahmad Shah termed the menace “worse than drugs” and called for setting up a dedicated enforcement wing at Lakhanpur. He also demanded slaughterhouses in every Municipal Committee and sought a half-hour discussion on the issue in the House.
Other legislators stressed the need to strengthen manpower, enhance enforcement mechanisms, and ensure strict checking to prevent recurrence of such incidents.
Replying to the debate, Health Minister Sakina Itoo acknowledged staff shortages in the department and admitted there was “no denial” about the manpower deficiency. She informed the House that the recruitment process has been initiated to fill vacant posts.
The Minister said the matter concerns public health and cannot be taken lightly. However, she clarified that under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, Food Safety Officers are not empowered to make arrests. They can inspect premises, collect samples, issue improvement notices, suspend or cancel licences, initiate prosecutions, and file complaints in courts. Arrests, she said, can only be made by police under the Criminal Procedure Code.
The Speaker questioned why the Government does not bring a Bill to amend the Act if stronger provisions are required. National Conference MLA Tanvir Sadiq suggested that the Government consider amendments and constitute a separate task force to deal with such cases, stating that police is not under the control of the House.
In a written reply, the Government informed that 12,183.5 kg of rotten or unsafe meat and chicken worth ₹29,19,060 were seized and destroyed during the current financial year 2025-26 (up to December 2025) across the Union Territory.
A total of 1,676 inspections were conducted and 144 samples of meat and meat products were lifted, of which 18 were found Not of Standard Quality (NSQ). In addition, 2,139 kg of meat worth ₹3,90,137 was seized.
District-wise seizures of rotten meat and chicken were reported from Anantnag (700 kg), Budgam (234 kg), Bandipora (162 kg), Baramulla (125 kg), Ganderbal (770 kg), Kupwara (1,520.5 kg), Pulwama (450 kg), Shopian (121 kg), Srinagar (4,220 kg) and Jammu (3,881 kg), totaling 12,183.5 kg worth ₹29,19,060.
The Government also disclosed that 173 paneer samples were collected, of which 157 reports were received. Among these, 47 were found sub-standard and one unsafe. A total of 7,665 kg of paneer worth ₹16,32,150 was seized or destroyed in Jammu and Samba districts.
Samples were sent for testing to accredited laboratories within and outside Jammu and Kashmir, including facilities in Kashmir, Ghaziabad, New Delhi and Hyderabad.
The Government further informed that two NABL-accredited Food Testing Laboratories are functional in Jammu and Srinagar, along with 12 Mobile Food Testing Laboratories. However, both main laboratories face significant staff shortages, with 11 of the 19 sanctioned posts vacant in each.
The vacant posts will be referred to the J&K Services Selection Board after finalisation of recruitment rules in consultation with the Finance Department. Meanwhile, outsourced staff are being engaged through funds provided by FSSAI under the Annual Work Plan.
The Government reiterated that enforcement under the Food Safety and Standards Act follows a statutory mechanism involving inspection, sampling, adjudication and prosecution, and does not provide for routine registration of FIRs for every violation.
The issue remained a key focus in the House, with members across party lines demanding stronger action to safeguard public health. (Agencies)
