Budgam Police Crack Down on Restaurants Selling Rotten Meat; Multiple Eateries Fined, FIRs Registered
Budgam Police crack down on rotten meat, restaurants fined; FIR registered---Photo: KNC
Budgam, September 6, 2025 — In a decisive operation aimed at protecting public health and enforcing food safety norms, Budgam police along with health department officials carried out surprise inspections across multiple restaurants and meat-selling shops in the district. Several establishments were found selling rotten or stale meat and were promptly penalized; FIRs were registered against the violators and administrative action has been initiated.
Operation and Immediate Action
The joint inspection, led by local police officials in coordination with the district health and municipal authorities, followed consumer complaints and routine surveillance reports. Teams visited several popular market areas and roadside eateries where meat was being sold or stored. During the raids, officials discovered unhygienic storage conditions, lack of refrigeration, improper labeling of expiry dates, and in some instances, explicit evidence that meat products had gone rotten.
On-the-spot penalties and fines were levied against shop owners who failed to produce valid health and trade certificates. In cases where prima facie evidence suggested intent to sell unfit meat, the police registered First Information Reports (FIRs) under relevant sections of the food safety and public health laws. The confiscated meat items were sealed and disposed of as per health department protocols.
Officials Warn Vendors; Zero Tolerance Policy
Senior police officers emphasized that the operation is part of a broader “zero tolerance” policy against food adulteration and public health hazards. An officer involved in the operation said, “Selling rotten or contaminated food items is a direct threat to public health. We will not tolerate negligence or malpractices that endanger people’s lives.”
The district medical and health officer (DMHO) reminded vendors about mandatory licensing, regular health checks for food handlers, and the requirement to maintain cold chain and hygienic storage for perishable goods. The health department also announced follow-up inspections and randomized checks in the coming weeks to ensure compliance.
Public Reaction and Consumer Safety Measures
News of the crackdown prompted appreciation from local residents who have long raised concerns about food quality in crowded market areas. Several consumers said they had previously noticed foul smells and questionable storage practices but lacked the confidence or avenue to report issues promptly.
Health experts pointed out that consumption of spoiled meat can cause serious foodborne illnesses, including gastroenteritis, food poisoning, and in severe cases septicemia. They urged the public to remain vigilant, to check receipts and licenses before purchasing, and to immediately report suspected shops to local authorities or the district health helpline.
What Vendors Must Do to Comply
The joint statement from police and health officials listed practical steps vendors must follow to avoid penalties:
- Obtain and prominently display valid food safety / trade licenses and health certificates for staff.
- Maintain refrigeration/cold storage for all perishable items and ensure temperature monitoring logs are up-to-date.
- Use clean, covered containers and avoid open-air storage of raw meat.
- Label packaged items with clear manufacturing/packing and expiry dates.
- Ensure regular disinfection of work surfaces and eliminate vectors like flies and rodents.
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
Where FIRs were registered, investigations have been launched and cases will be pursued under the relevant sections of the Food Safety and Standards Act and the Penal Code where applicable. Local municipal bodies will also issue show-cause notices to offending businesses, and repeat offenders may face closure orders.
District administrators have asked for evidence-backed complaints from citizens and encouraged the use of official helplines. They reiterated that anonymous complaints would be accepted and treated confidentially to protect whistleblowers from any reprisals.
Wider Implications for Public Health
Food safety campaigns and enforcement actions like these serve dual purposes — immediate protection of consumers and longer-term improvement in hygiene practices among food businesses. Experts say that enforcement must be matched with vendor education, subsidized access to modern refrigeration for small sellers, and community awareness drives.
Local NGOs and civic volunteers have offered to support the health department in conducting workshops for small-scale vendors on safe food handling and affordable methods to keep perishables fresh, particularly in areas with limited power supply or inadequate infrastructure.
Voices from the Market
A market customer noted: “We are relieved to see authorities act. We often rely on these small shops, and safety is paramount. Regular checks should continue so vendors learn to maintain standards.”
Meanwhile, some shopkeepers expressed concern about short-notice raids disrupting livelihoods. Authorities responded by stating that the action targets deliberate negligence and malpractices — vendors who comply and maintain hygiene will not be harassed, while training and guidance will be provided where needed.
Source: Based on reporting by Greater Kashmir (Read Original)
Labels: Budgam, Food Safety, Police Action, Health Department, Consumer Protection
Tags: #Budgam #FoodSafety #PublicHealth #GreaterKashmir #PoliceAction
Disclaimer: This article is a rewritten report based on original reporting by Greater Kashmir. Jammu News Portal does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of external content.
Post a Comment