Public anger mounts as food safety Dept delays ‘rotten meat report’
Hoteliers, locals and civil society demand immediate release of test results
By: Our Special Correspondent
Srinagar: Public outrage is intensifying over the inordinate delay by the Food and Safety Department in releasing the test results of meat samples allegedly found rotten during recent inspections in Srinagar and adjoining areas.
The controversy began last month when officials seized large quantities of suspected rotten meat from several outlets following consumer complaints. The samples were sent for laboratory testing, but despite the gravity of the issue, the department has yet to release its findings, fuelling suspicion and anger among locals.
“This is sheer negligence. People have the right to know whether the meat being sold in the market is safe or not. By withholding the results, the department is playing with our lives,” said Mohammad Yasin, a resident of Bemina.
Hoteliers and restaurant owners, who fear a dent in their reputation, also demanded transparency. “We serve thousands of tourists every day. When such news breaks and no official clarification follows, the hospitality sector suffers the most. Authorities must clear the air immediately,” said Fayaz Ahmad, a hotelier from Dalgate.
Civil society groups accused officials of shielding those involved in the racket. “Every passing day of silence strengthens suspicion that influential suppliers are being protected. Food safety is non-negotiable, and those endangering people’s health must face the strictest action,” said a Civil Society activist.
Locals echoed similar concerns. “If the samples are rotten, people may already have consumed the same stock. The delay means the culprits might escape accountability,” said Abdul Rashid, a shopkeeper from Lal Chowk.
The issue has stirred painful memories of last month, when authorities seized nearly 12,000 kilograms of rotten meat from cold storages and distribution centres in the Valley. The seizure, one of the biggest in recent years, shocked the public and sparked demands for stronger checks on the food supply chain. “We were told last month that strict measures would be taken after 12,000 kilos of rotten meat was caught. But what has changed? We are still in the dark today,” said another hotelier, Bilal Khan.
Doctors too have raised alarms, warning that consumption of contaminated meat could lead to food poisoning, gastroenteritis, and in severe cases, long-term health complications. Hospitals in Srinagar have already reported an uptick in stomach-related ailments in past several months,, though no direct link has been officially established with the seized meat.
Meanwhile, officials maintain that the results will be made public soon. But the growing chorus from residents, hoteliers and civil society is clear– they will not accept further delays when public health is at stake.
