Cracking Down : Food Safety Dept Raids Srinagar Markets Amid ‘Carcinogenic Egg Scare’
Officials say samples sent for testing, urge public to avoid panic as results expected soon
Our Special Correspondent
Srinagar: Amid growing public concern over alleged adulterated eggs circulating in Srinagar markets, the Food Safety Department has intensified inspection drives across the city. Teams carried out surprise raids on Friday at several wholesale and retail outlets to verify claims that chemically treated or ‘artificial’ eggs may have entered the Valley’s supply chain.
Assistant Commissioner, Food Safety Srinagar, Yameen-ul-Nabi, confirmed that multiple samples have been collected and sent for laboratory analysis. “We have lifted the samples of eggs and the reports are expected very soon. People need not panic. Necessary action will follow once we receive the lab findings,” he said.
The alarm began earlier this week after social media videos showing ‘rubbery’ eggs amid reports of some carcinogenic substances present in them went viral, sparking fear among residents who rely heavily on eggs during the winter months. Officials say similar panic-driven rumours have surfaced in the past as well, most of which turned out baseless.
“Sometimes eggs behave unusually due to storage or temperature issues, especially in winter. But scientifically, the idea of ‘plastic eggs’ entering formal markets is highly unlikely. Still, we are thoroughly checking all complaints,” an official from the Quality Control wing said.
Inspection teams fanned out across Parimpora, Batamaloo, Rajbagh, Hazratbal, Lal Chowk, and Downtown Srinagar, checking packaging details, supply records, and storage conditions. Senior officers said monitoring has been intensified at major entry points as well, given that Kashmir depends heavily on imported poultry products during this season.
Meanwhile, poultry traders urged authorities to release the test results soon to prevent business losses caused by fear-driven low sales. “Such rumours affect thousands of families dependent on this trade. We want the government to clear the air as early as possible,” said a dealer at Parimpora Mandi.
The Food Safety Department has assured that strict action will be taken if any egg sample is found unsafe or substandard. It has also appealed to the public to avoid spreading unverified information and to report suspicious products directly to the department.
Lab results are expected in the coming days, following which a detailed official statement will be issued.
