The dangerous delicacy
A sudden shock that rattled the entire valley - Cuisine specialties tasted horror. The recent expose of rotten meat stunned one and all. This cuisine conspiracy is a haunted headline. The viral reels of the ugly trade reveal a lot. Beyond expressing anger and anguish, the deadly health hazard has drowned the society into a twin sea of shame and suspicion.
How long has this spurious stuff been sneaking in? How many outlets have sold and served the platter of poison? Who are the operatives behind the rotten-racket? Where is the role and relevance of institutions empowered to take such culprits to the task? As the sword of suspicion swings all sides, how demeaning and disgusting it is to find society stooping down an extreme moral low?
The non-veg norm of Kashmiri society has adopted wazwaan as its legacy. And Rista (minced-meat balls) and Kabaab (roasted meat grilled on a skewer) are prominently popular varieties of this non-veg package. Served on festive occasions and marriages, Rista and Kabaab enjoy a wide public consumption at all food outlets. Be it the narrow streets of any town-square, the overcrowded bustling bus stands or the elite hotels and restaurants – Rista & Kabaab are cherished delicacies of all non-veg lovers.
The ever-increasing appetite for the non-vegetarian varieties as preferred delicacies has increased their demand. The ready-made and processed/packaged food have flooded the markets, non-vegetarian delicacies are no exception. Frozen kabaabs, chicken/meat balls and fish products are available everywhere to meet the instant order of the customers. The presentation on the plate hardly allows the customer to question the source of what has been served.
All food items have specific shelf life and are properly labeled with dates of manufacture and expiry. However, in small markets, hotels, restaurants and food outlets, the recipes served are presumed to be prepared fresh. The use of refrigerators and large freezers operate to add longevity to the food items that are served. Maximizing the profits at the cost of public health unveils the ugly twist in the trade.
The demand at times creates an opening for malpractices. Business matters more than human lives. And when greed annexes human conscience completely, all considerations and sensitivities are blindly by-passed to bolster the filthy egos.
The shocking videos that have surfaced on social media have raised the curtains. Tons of rotten meat seized and recovered from stinking sites smells foul. Public outcry is genuine. Mind stands shattered. Who, why, what, when and how - all questions naturally surface up and deserve attention – actually answers. All are rooted in the premise of public health. Consequently, the gravity of this public health hazard demands immediate ban on the poisonous practices.
Kashmiri cuisine is an integral part of its culture and economy. Indigenously, the local vendors and small hoteliers fetch their livelihood to feed their families. The imported meat-mafia can potentially threaten the livelihood of many who stick to fair practice in this cuisine industry. A sudden dip is witnessed as local markets and outlets appear deserted. The wrong-doings on part of few potentially affect all.
A common consumer stands stabbed from behind. Unknowingly forced to cherish disaster in the name of a delicacy. The consequences of such deadly consumption endanger the health and well-being of common people.
This is a ticking public health catastrophe. The penetration of poisonous parcels of rotten meat needs to be plugged immediately. Food safety regulations must be binding and adhered to by one and all. Authorities have to swing into action to set the things right. The culprits involved in compromising public health must be penalized for such atrocious acts.
Public deserves panacea. Leaving debates and differences aside, it is an emergency to rescue human society from the looming danger of the delicious disaster.
Bilal Kaloo, Assistant Professor, North Campus. University of Kashmir.
