Govt admits lab staff shortage but vows tighter enforcement under Food Safety Act
Srinagar: The Government of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday informed the Assembly that over 12,000 kilograms of rotten and unsafe meat has been seized and destroyed across the Union Territory during the current financial year 2025-26 (up to December 2025).
Replying to a question in the House, the Health & Medical Education Department said that while food adulteration is not a generalised fact, incidents relating to sale and seizure of rotten/unsafe meat were reported in Kashmir Valley during routine surveillance and special enforcement drives conducted across districts.
As per the official data, a total of 1,676 inspections were carried out, during which 144 samples were lifted. Of these, 18 were found Non-Standard Quality (NSQ).
The department said 2,139 kg of meat was seized, while 12,183.5 kg of rotten meat was destroyed, with the total value of destroyed stock pegged at Rs 29,19,060.
District-wise Seizures
Srinagar recorded the highest seizure with 4,220 kg of rotten meat destroyed, followed by Jammu with 3,881 kg and Kupwara with 1,520.5 kg. Other districts where seizures were reported include Anantnag (700 kg), Ganderbal (770 kg), Pulwama (450 kg), Budgam (234 kg), Bandipora (162 kg), Baramulla (125 kg) and Shopian (121 kg).
In addition, 7,665 kg of paneer was seized/destroyed in Jammu (6,465 kg) and Samba (1,200 kg), with the total value of seized paneer stock amounting to Rs 16,32,150.
The government further stated that samples were sent for analysis to Food Testing Laboratories within and outside J&K, including FSSAI-recognised NABL-accredited laboratories.
The department also informed that J&K has two NABL-accredited Food Testing Laboratories with one each at Jammu and Srinagar and 12 Mobile Food Testing Laboratories, which are fully functional.
However, it acknowledged shortage of technical manpower, stating that out of 19 sanctioned posts each at Food Testing Laboratories Jammu and Srinagar, 11 posts in each lab are currently vacant.
The government said enforcement under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 is being strengthened through regular inspections, sampling, license suspension/cancellation, penalties and prosecution against violators.
“Special drives during festivals and tourist seasons, public awareness programmes and inter-departmental coordination are also being undertaken to safeguard public health,” they said
