In a tizzy, Baramulla food business operators dispose off large quantities of frozen meat

Baramulla, Aug : The Food Safety Department in Baramulla appears to be in deep slumber as thousands of quintals of rotten frozen meat, dressed chicken, and fish were allegedly disposed of by wholesalers and restaurant owners following a series of raids carried out by officials in various districts of Kashmir.

Following these raids across different parts of the Valley, which led to the seizure of rotten meat, the traders dealing in frozen meat, chicken, and fish across Baramulla district removed over 90 percent of their stored items, fearing seizure by the authorities.

This has triggered serious concern among local residents in Baramulla. According to locals, those involved in the frozen food business were seemingly given ample time to dispose of the spoiled stock, raising alarm over the potential public health consequences.

“The irony is that the concerned department officials in Baramulla did not bother to conduct raids, despite knowing that many are involved in the frozen food trade here,” said Arif Hussain, a resident of the town.

Over the past few years, the frozen meat, chicken, and fish business has witnessed exponential growth in Baramulla. At one particular warehouse in town, hundreds of quintals of meat are reportedly processed and supplied daily.

The trader operating this warehouse has employed dozens of workers who prepare items such as kabab, rista, goshtaba, and other Wazwan delicacies. These prepared items are then supplied to various markets and hotels across Kashmir. According to locals, the facility functions like a full-scale food factory.

Similarly, another area in town, known for its chefs who specialise in Wazwan, houses dozens of individuals who process frozen meat to prepare similar delicacies. These items are then supplied to hundreds of street vendors across Baramulla.

Arshad Hussain, another local resident, said that the Food Safety Department in Baramulla has been informed several times in the past about the issue.

“All of this is happening under their nose, yet they are unable, or unwilling to stop this practice, which is endangering public health,” he said.

Locals are now urging the government to intervene. “There is no accountability regarding what is being sold and what people are consuming. The administration must overhaul the Food Safety Department, especially in Baramulla, and adopt a comprehensive strategy to prevent the sale of rotten or unsafe frozen food items,” said Tariq Ahmad Mughloo, President traders federation Baramulla.