Unhygienic minced meat destroyed at Zakura, Hazratbal

Srinagar, Feb 6: The Food Safety Wing of the Drugs and Food Control Organisation, Kashmir on Tuesday destroyed 80 kgs of minced meat which was being transported in unhygienic condition here.

Officials from the Food Safety Wing undertook intensive inspections of manufacturing units at Zakura and Hazratbal areas.

The focus was particularly on food business operators involved in manufacturing and processing of ready-to-eat foods, bakery products, and spices.

During the inspections, seven establishments were found to be in violation of hygiene standards, resulting in two insanitary challans against the violators.

Officials said in last two months, the Food Safety wing has been conducting sample checks at various food outlets, including bakery shops, restaurants, and street food vendors, particularly in the Hazratbal area.

They said adulterated, substandard, and expired food items, including 10 kilograms of chicken, have been seized during these inspections.

The department has also intensified inspection drives to curb cases of food adulteration and ensure the safety of consumables ahead of Shab-e-Meraj in Srinagar.

Also, the department has directed all the street food vendors especially at Hazratbal area not to reuse oil to make food items. They have approved a third party who will purchase the oil and use it for biodiesel and soap making.

According to the officials, all the samples of food are being checked in a mobile testing van which is equipped with all the necessary equipment like oil metres, milk, food color testing machines.

Assistant Commissioner, Food Safety Srinagar, Yamin Ul Nabi told Greater Kashmir that they have intensified the inspections at various food establishments across the city, including restaurants, markets, and food processing units ahead Shab-e-Meraj celebrations in the city.

"Our focus is to ensure food quality is not compromised during the festive period when miscreants try out different methods to make quick money. Our aim is to verify compliance with hygiene and quality standards, as well as to detect and prevent any instances of food adulteration," he said.

He said that this proactive measure is to safeguard public health in general and during the religious celebration. Yamin also urged both vendors and consumers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to food safety.