Authorities wake up to sale of substandard food items in Srinagar

Srinagar, Aug 8: In continuation of government’s intensified campaign to ensure food safety and quality standards across Jammu and Kashmir, Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Satish Sharma, today led a comprehensive inspection drive in various parts of Srinagar.

The inspection covered Food Corporation of India (FCI) godowns, fair price shops, restaurants and  street food vendors.

The Minister was accompanied by Director, FCS&CA, Dr. Owais Ahmad, senior officers from the Food Corporation of India, Food Safety Department and Legal Metrology Department.

Satish Sharma began his visit at the FCI godowns, where he reviewed the storage infrastructure, stock handling procedures and sanitation standards. He stressed that every stage of grain handling—from unloading to storage to distribution—must strictly adhere to prescribed quality control norms. There is absolutely no room for negligence. The safety and quality of these supplies is non-negotiable,” he said.

He directed the officials to conduct regular internal audits, ensure pest control and proper ventilation and maintain accurate stock records to prevent wastage and pilferage.

The Minister then visited multiple fair price shops, where he interacted with shopkeepers and beneficiaries under the Public Distribution System (PDS). He checked stock registers, verified availability of ration and inspected the quality of grains and other commodities. He emphasised the need for complete transparency in distribution and warned that any irregularities in quantity, quality, or pricing will invite immediate suspension of licenses and legal action.

Given recent reports and seizures of adulterated and unsafe meat in Kashmir, Satish Sharma carried out surprise inspections of restaurants and street vendors. These checks focused on meat sourcing, storage conditions, hygiene practices in kitchens and the freshness of raw materials being used.