Srinagar, Feb 07: In a concerning trend, food safety violations continue to plague Srinagar, with many street food vendors and other FBOs (Food Business Operators) failing to adhere to hygiene standards. The issue gained fresh attention after a disturbing video from the Hazratbal shrine area last week showed a dead mouse floating in a tin of cooking oil used by a vendor.
The viral footage sparked widespread outrage, prompting immediate action from the Food Safety Department and Hazratbal Police, who dismantled the vendor’s stall and initiated legal proceedings.
However, the Hazratbal incident is just one of many cases that highlight ongoing food safety issues across the city. Numerous street food vendors and small eateries continue to operate under unhygienic conditions, raising serious concerns about the safety and quality of food consumed by both locals and tourists.
Residents have voiced their concerns about the state of food safety and the lack of regular monitoring. “I used to eat from street vendors often, but after seeing that Hazratbal video, I’ve become much more cautious. You never know what kind of oil or ingredients they are using,” said Faizan, a student.
According to the J&K Drug & Food Control Organisation, over 14,000 registered food establishments operate in valley. However, many fail to meet basic hygiene standards, with vendors frequently using substandard ingredients, improperly storing perishable items, and reusing cooking oil. These practices significantly increase the risk of foodborne illnesses.
Dr. Farooq, a gastroenterologist, warns that unsafe food handling practices are contributing to a rise in cases of food poisoning and gastrointestinal infections. He stresses that stricter oversight, better training for vendors, and increased public awareness are crucial to curbing health risks associated with contaminated food. “We’ve seen a surge in cases of foodborne illnesses due to poor hygiene and improper food storage. Many of these cases could have been prevented with better enforcement of food safety regulations and more awareness among consumers,” he said.
In response to these growing concerns, the Food Safety Department has ramped up inspections across Srinagar.
To further enhance compliance, authorities are expanding training programs under the Food Safety Training and Certification (FOSTAC) initiative. Mobile Food Testing Vehicles (MFTVs) have also been deployed to conduct on-the-spot quality checks.
“Food safety cannot be ensured through enforcement alone; it requires a collective effort from vendors, authorities, and consumers. Vendors must follow hygiene standards, and consumers should be mindful of where they eat. We are strengthening our efforts through regular inspections, training programs, and awareness initiatives to create a system where food safety is ingrained at every level,” said a Food Safety Department official, who requested anonymity.
While authorities continue to crack down on violators, some street food vendors argue that maintaining high hygiene standards is challenging due to limited resources.
“We are willing to improve, but authorities should also support us with better facilities and training. Many vendors lack the resources to upgrade their operations, and sudden inspections often lead to fines instead of guidance.” Imran, a vendour said.
Interestingly, even with these challenges, Jammu and Kashmir secured third place in the Food Safety Index 2023-24, an annual assessment by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The award, presented at the Global Food Regulators Summit 2024 in New Delhi, recognized the UT’s efforts in enforcing the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006.
Nevertheless, food safety in Srinagar remains a challenge that requires a unified approach.
