Rotten meat crisis leaves eateries reeling

Srinagar, Aug 8: The recent recovery of rotten meat and chicken from multiple locations across Kashmir has triggered widespread concern among consumers and dealt a severe blow to Kashmir’s restaurant and food outlet businesses.

Inspections by enforcement teams have unearthed several consignments of stale and unhygienic meat, including dressed chicken and fish being transported to various eateries, bakeries, and processing units.

These revelations have shaken consumer confidence, with many now weary of eating out.

Large quantities of mutton, chicken, and fish are either sourced from outside Kashmir or processed locally in bulk for making kebabs, rishtas, gushtabas, and other popular dishes.

However, the latest busts have brought this practice under the scanner, especially as reports suggest that several establishments may be cutting corners on quality to keep costs low.

“There is a serious crisis of trust now between food businesses and the public,” said Babar Chowdhary, President of the Jammu and Kashmir Hotels and Restaurants Association (JKHARA).  “People are rightfully concerned about what they are consuming. The fact that rotten meat and chicken have been seized from various places raises extremely alarming questions. How is it possible that such large consignments passed through checks unnoticed? It means we need an overhaul of how food safety is being monitored.”

He said, “No one can sell a proper mutton kebab for Rs 40 or Rs 50 without compromising on quality. This pricing itself should raise red flags. Good quality meat is expensive, and if someone is selling at such low prices, it often means they are using substandard or unsafe ingredients. We, as an industry, cannot allow this to continue. These unscrupulous operators are not just risking lives; they are damaging the credibility and livelihood of thousands of genuine hotel and restaurant owners. We demand immediate and exemplary action. Those found guilty must be named publicly, penalised heavily, and barred from operating. The government must also ensure surprise inspections and regular audits. If trust is to be rebuilt, accountability must be swift and visible.”

The scare has led to a significant drop in footfall at many restaurants, with several owners reporting a slump in daily sales.

“For the last few days, the number of customers has gone down sharply. People are asking if our meat is fresh or where we are sourcing it from,” said Farooq Ahmad, who runs a small barbecue and kebab outlet in Srinagar. “Even our regular customers are hesitant. It’s very damaging.”

Some owners of popular food joints fear that a blanket perception that all restaurants are compromising on food safety is forming.

“The government should name and shame those involved so the rest of us don't suffer,” said Suhail Rashid, who owns a mid-sized eatery in north Kashmir. “Why should our business be punished for someone else’s wrongdoing?”

Meanwhile, consumers are expressing growing distrust and shifting to home-cooked meals.

“I used to eat outside at least three or four times a week, but after seeing the news of rotten meat, I have stopped completely,” said Nusrat Jan of Bemina. “Now I prefer simple food at home, at least I know it’s clean and safe.”

Public health experts warn that consumption of stale or rotten meat can lead to food poisoning, infections, and even long-term health consequences. Officials in the Food Safety Department have vowed to intensify inspections and ensure that only certified and hygienic meat reaches markets and eateries.

“We are stepping up enforcement, and all food establishments will be subject to random checks. Any violation will result in suspension of the license and legal action,” a senior official said.