Food safety concerns in Kashmir
As a common Kashmiri, I am in a dilemma about what to eat and what not to eat, both inside and outside the home. As a common Kashmiri, I am facing a food crisis everywhere in Kashmir. It is a loss for business; it is a loss for Kashmir. Whatever the truth about these few food items, it is spreading too fast on social media. For us as consumers, there must be some hard and fast rules for the authorisation of all food items, because in the end, an individual’s health depends on food and its quality.
The outcome of all this is mistrust. This mistrust and uncertainty must end, and we need to take some concrete steps to that end.
Firstly, the eatables in the market must go through food and safety department. No doubt there are departments that scan after food items available in the market, but it needs a finer and more advanced check. The common people must know about all the products in the market.
Secondly, Apart from big and central markets, there are small shops selling food items, especially packages item, in the interiors and in village. We need local units for food safety and security to be established. Since costumers have limited knowledge about products and their authorisation, it is important that the government constitute teams to conduct weekly checks of these local shops and eliminate harmful substances.
Thirdly, awareness programmes and workshops, both online and offline, must be promoted among business units, shops, and other related workplaces regarding food items. This activity can be carried out through multiple sectors.
Fourthly, food shapes our health. Harmful food acts like slow poison, affecting both the young and the old and leading to various medical problems. Once, I heard a doctor say that what our children are eating today, especially fast food, is changing their metabolism. The role of doctors, teachers, and experts is essential. Thorough research is needed from experts on how to address the food problem, because it impacts both business and health. The government, in consultation with doctors and experts, should come up with a roadmap to eradicate this sensitive and serious issue.
Fifthly, we lack awareness in our schools. There should be separate classes or instructions, even during off-class hours, about food and food safety. Most schools in Kashmir do not focus on what children eat during recess time. In this way, the message can reach homes, as children are vulnerable to fast-food items. The fast food which is unhealthy and harmful and is being sold out in school canteens must be discouraged, rather banned.
