Overview
- Health Minister Sakeena Itoo told the Assembly that 12,183.5 kg of rotten meat worth about Rs 29.19 lakh was destroyed in FY 2025–26 up to December, with a further 2,139 kg seized.
- Authorities also seized and destroyed 7,665 kg of adulterated paneer worth roughly Rs 16.32 lakh, primarily in Jammu and Samba districts.
- Testing found food-safety failures: of 144 meat samples, 17 were unsafe and one sub-standard; of 157 cheese reports received, 47 were sub-standard and one unsafe.
- Officials conducted 1,676 inspections across the UT, while enforcement remains constrained because Food Safety Officers lack arrest powers and routine FIRs are not mandated under the Act.
- Both NABL-accredited Food Testing Laboratories in Jammu and Srinagar have 11 of 19 posts vacant, with recruitment referrals pending; lawmakers urged amendments, tougher penalties and a dedicated enforcement mechanism as action proceeds against 18 operators.