Expired chicken’ sale in Anantnag markets, 200 kg frozen stock seized: FSD

Expired chicken’ sale in Anantnag markets, 200 kg frozen stock seized: FSD

Srinagar: Residents of south Kashmir’s Anantnag district have alleged that expired frozen chicken and other outdated food items are being sold in local markets during the holy month of Ramadan, raising concerns over food safety and hygiene.

Locals said the demand for meat and other food items increases significantly during Ramadan, and some traders allegedly take advantage of the situation by supplying substandard or expired products.

“During Ramadan, people rely heavily on meat and other food items for Iftar and Sehri. Authorities must ensure that only fresh and safe products are sold in the markets,” a delegation of residents from Anantnag town said.

They called for stricter monitoring to prevent the sale of expired food items. “People’s health should not be compromised. Regular inspections must be conducted in the markets,” the residents said.

The issue has resurfaced amid memories of last year’s controversy when reports about rotten meat being sold in markets triggered widespread public outrage and prompted calls for stricter monitoring of food supplies to restaurants and retail outlets.

Meanwhile, officials from the Food Safety Department said action has already been taken against a trader found with an unlabelled consignment of frozen chicken.

Assistant Commissioner, Food Safety Department Anantnag, Zameer Ahmad, told Rising Kashmir that the department seized and sealed around 200 kilograms of unlabelled frozen chicken that was meant to be supplied to the market.

“We sealed a consignment of about 200 kg of boneless chicken brought from Delhi after discrepancies were found in its labelling,” he said. “The consignment did not mention the manufacturing and expiry dates, which is a violation of food safety norms.”

He said the department has initiated an investigation into the matter and legal action will follow.

“We have started an investigation and a case will also be registered against the trader under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act,” the official said, adding that inspection drives are being intensified in view of the increased consumption of food items during Ramadan.

Officials further warned that strict action will be taken against anyone found selling expired or unsafe food products and urged traders to strictly follow proper labelling and quality standards while supplying food items in the markets.