Market checking conducted in Sopore to ensure quality, fair pricing

Sopore, Oct 22: To ensure the availability of quality eatables, fair pricing, and hygienic commodities in local markets, a joint enforcement team today conducted an extensive market inspection across various areas of Sopore town.

The team comprised officials from the Police, Animal Husbandry Department, Municipal Council Sopore, Revenue Department, Drug Control Department, Food Safety Department, and Legal Metrology (Weights and Measures).

During the inspection, officials checked several establishments, including meat shops, vegetable and fruit vendors, bakeries, grocery stores, and food outlets, to verify product quality, hygiene standards, and proper display of rate lists. Weighing and measuring instruments were also examined to prevent overcharging and ensure fair trade practices.

Fines were imposed on shopkeepers found violating regulations by selling substandard goods, using faulty weighing machines, or failing to maintain cleanliness. The team also seized banned polythene bags from several traders and penalised them for breaching environmental norms.

Authorities issued strict warnings to defaulters and urged all traders to maintain hygiene and comply with safety and environmental regulations. Officials said that similar market-checking drives will continue in the coming days to safeguard public health, curb pollution, and prevent profiteering ahead of the winter season.

The administration appealed to the business community to cooperate with enforcement teams and adhere to food safety, hygiene, and pricing guidelines. Locals, meanwhile, welcomed the initiative, saying it promotes accountability and ensures consumers receive quality goods at fair prices.