Srinagar, Sept 20, 2025: The Food Safety Department of Jammu and Kashmir has declared several meat samples seized during its ongoing crackdown in the Valley unsafe for human consumption. Lab reports revealed the presence of harmful synthetic food colours—carmoisine, tartrazine, and erythrosine—that are banned under the Food Safety and Standards Regulations, 2011, due to their cancer-causing risks.
Harmful additives detected
The tests, conducted by the National Food Laboratory, Ghaziabad and FICCI Research & Analysis Centre (FRAC), New Delhi, confirmed that four out of 18 samples tested so far contained these dangerous colours. According to scientific studies, these additives are linked to carcinogenic effects, hyperactivity in children, and allergic reactions. Several countries, including the US and Japan, have banned them.
Sample testing and findings
57 samples were collected from 11 districts across Kashmir.
18 reports have been received so far.
4 samples (including meat products like kebabs, rista, goshtaba, momos, and fried chicken) were found unsafe.
A frozen meat sample from Srinagar tested in Hyderabad confirmed it was carabeef from Asian water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis).
Massive seizures and fines
Officials conducted 834 inspections in 13 districts, seizing 1,677 kg of meat, chicken, fish, and cheese.
Srinagar topped with 1,400 kg seized.
11,326 kg of spoiled food was destroyed.
27 cases were filed in courts; fines worth ₹87.4 lakh have been imposed on violators.
Licences of nine outlets—including Al-Taqwa Foods, Anmol Foods, Sunshine Foods, Jubilant Food Works (Domino’s Pizza), and Bismillah Sweets—have been suspended.
Govt action and infrastructure boost
Amid public outcry, CM Omar Abdullah chaired a high-level meeting on August 11, where the FDA sought:
10 additional Food Safety on Wheels (FSWs) to strengthen field surveillance.
Two new food testing labs in Anantnag and Kathua-Samba.
A long-term plan for labs in all 20 districts under the industrial land allotment policy (2021-30).
However, officials admitted the department is severely understaffed, with 40 Food Safety Officer posts vacant.
Conclusion
The crackdown highlights deep-rooted food safety violations in Kashmir’s meat trade. Authorities have warned consumers to remain cautious while purchasing meat products and assured stricter monitoring in the coming months.
