RK Impact: Food Safety Deptt intensifies efforts to curb unhygienic practices among street vendors

Srinagar, Feb 16: In a positive development, the Food Safety Department has intensified its inspection drives across Srinagar, cracking down on unhygienic practices among street vendors and eateries. Notably, this move comes after Rising Kashmir published an article on February 8, highlighting growing concerns over food safety standards in the city.
In response, the Drug and Food Control Organisation has launched a series of rigorous inspections, targeting roadside food stalls and businesses selling ready-to-eat meals to enforce hygiene and safety regulations.
On February 12, a team led by Assistant Commissioner Food Safety Srinagar, Yameen ul Nabi, along with other food safety officials, conducted surprise inspections in Batamaloo, Tangpora, and Mominabad. The inspections focused on enforcing cleanliness standards and proper waste disposal to prevent food contamination. Vendors were also provided guidance on maintaining a hygienic food preparation environment.
As part of these checks, food samples were collected from various stalls for testing, and multiple violations were recorded. Consequently, three cases were filed under Section 56 of the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act for serious hygiene lapses.
The crackdown continued on February 13, when food safety officials carried out another round of inspections in Khayam. During these checks, authorities discovered that some vendors were using artificial food colors in biryani. The contaminated stock was immediately destroyed, and legal proceedings were initiated against the offenders.
Interestingly, these inspections come amid growing public concern over food safety, especially after a disturbing video surfaced from Hazratbal a few weeks ago. The footage showed a dead mouse floating in a tin of cooking oil used by a vendor, sparking widespread outrage. This led to swift action by both the Food Safety Department and Hazratbal Police, resulting in the vendor’s stall being dismantled and legal proceedings being initiated.
Local residents have since called for more frequent and rigorous food safety checks. “We want to feel safe when we eat out, especially in public spaces like markets and street stalls. These inspections are a welcome move,” said Arshad Ahmed, a resident of Lal Chowk. “Authorities should maintain pressure on these vendors to ensure such incidents do not happen again.”
Another resident, Riyaz, said, “It’s terrifying to think about the kind of food we might be consuming. This is a step in the right direction, but continuous monitoring is essential. One inspection isn’t enough — vendors must be checked regularly.”
Building on these efforts, the Food Safety Department has reaffirmed its commitment to stricter enforcement. In the 2024-25 fiscal year, the department conducted 1,454 inspections, including 439 focused on high-risk foods. During these inspections, 760 food samples were collected, 56 of which were found substandard, leading to legal action. Additionally, checks on 209 street food vendors resulted in fines totaling Rs 1.77 lakh and 20 challans for hygiene violations.
To enhance compliance, authorities are expanding efforts under the Food Safety Training and Certification (FOSTAC) initiative, which educates food vendors on best practices. Mobile Food Testing Vehicles (MFTVs) have also been deployed to conduct on-the-spot quality checks, ensuring a quicker response to safety concerns.
A senior official from the Food Safety Department, requesting anonymity, said, “The department is fully committed to ensuring the safety and hygiene of food in Srinagar. Our inspection drives will continue regularly to uphold the highest standards. We will take strict actions against violators to safeguard public health and create a safer environment for everyone.”
As these efforts continue, the public remains hopeful that regular inspections will lead to long-term improvements in food safety across Srinagar. While this crackdown is a step in the right direction, ongoing vigilance from authorities, along with cooperation from food vendors, is essential to ensuring a safer, cleaner food environment for all.