JAMMU, Feb 13:
Legislators cutting across party lines today decried the lack of adequate powers with food safety authorities to take strict action against those involved in selling rotten meat, even as over 12,183.5 kg of spoiled meat worth more than Rs 29.19 lakh was destroyed during the current financial year.
The issue surfaced during Question Hour in the Legislative Assembly, where members expressed concern that despite large-scale seizures, enforcement agencies are unable to arrest offenders due to limited legal authority.
Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo informed the House that 1,676 inspections were carried out across Jammu and Kashmir during 2025–26 (up to December 2025), leading to destruction of rotten meat and seizure of adulterated products.
However, she clarified that Food Safety Officers have no power to arrest violators. “They can inspect, collect samples and make seizures. Arrests can only be made by police, which is not under the department’s control,” she said.
MLAs from both treasury and opposition benches termed the situation alarming, arguing that seizures alone are not sufficient deterrents. They called for stronger punitive provisions and better coordination between departments to prevent unsafe meat from entering markets.
Intervening in the debate, Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather urged the Government to amend the law if existing provisions are inadequate.
“If the current provisions are toothless, the Government should move to amend the Act and strengthen the powers of the Food Safety Department,” the Speaker observed, stressing that public health cannot be compromised.
In addition to rotten meat, 7,665 kg of adulterated cheese worth over Rs 16.32 lakh was seized in the Jammu region. Several samples tested sub-standard or unsafe, and action has been initiated against 18 food business operators.
The discussion reflected rare unanimity in the House, with members demanding urgent legal reforms to ensure strict action against those endangering public health.
