Minister Sharma inspects FCI godowns, shops, restaurants

Srinagar, Aug 08: Continuing the government’s stringent efforts to uphold food safety and quality standards across Jammu and Kashmir, Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Satish Sharma, on Friday led a thorough inspection drive across various locations in Srinagar. The inspection encompassed Food Corporation of India (FCI) godowns, fair price shops, hotels, restaurants, street vendors, and food establishments.Accompanied by Director, FCS&CA, Dr Owais Ahmad, along with senior officials from FCI, Food Safety Department, and Legal Metrology Department, Sharma began his visit at the FCI godowns. He examined storage facilities, stock handling procedures, and sanitation practices, saying that every phase of grain management, from unloading to storage and distribution, must strictly follow quality control norms. “There is no room for negligence. The safety and quality of these supplies are non-negotiable,” he asserted.He directed officials to conduct regular internal audits, ensure pest control, maintain proper ventilation, and keep accurate stock records to prevent wastage and pilferage.Sharma then visited multiple fair price shops, interacted with shopkeepers and beneficiaries under the Public Distribution System (PDS), checked stock registers, verified ration availability, and inspected the quality of grains and other commodities. He called for transparency in distribution, warning that any irregularities concerning quantity, quality, or pricing would lead to the suspension of licenses and legal action.Addressing recent concerns about adulterated and unsafe meat in Kashmir, the minister conducted surprise inspections of hotels, restaurants, and street vendors, focusing on meat sourcing, storage conditions, hygiene practices, and the freshness of raw materials.Expressing concern over public health risks, the minister issued a stern warning: “Those involved in the storage, sale, or trade of adulterated meat are risking lives. This is a criminal offense. The government will take strict and immediate action, including sealing premises, cancelling licenses, and prosecuting offenders under relevant laws.” He condemned the illegal dumping of spoiled meat in abandoned places to evade penalties, labelling it an unacceptable and dangerous practice that will face strict legal consequences.Sharma directed enforcement agencies to intensify vigilance, especially in sensitive areas, and to conduct round-the-clock surprise inspections of high-risk establishments. He instructed the use of supply chain tracking to dismantle entire networks involved in the adulterated meat trade, spanning from suppliers to retailers.The minister urged citizens to stay vigilant and report any suspicious or unhygienic food practices to authorities. “Protecting public health is our top priority, and community participation is vital. Together, we can ensure that no unsafe or adulterated food reaches our people’s plates,” he said.Reaffirming the government’s zero-tolerance policy on food adulteration, Sharma assured that the enforcement campaign will continue with increased rigor across all districts of Jammu and Kashmir. “Our commitment is to eradicate unsafe food products from our markets and ensure every citizen has access to safe, quality food,” he said.