Fixing failing cold chain

The recent seizure of 1,200 kilograms of decomposed meat in the outskirts of Srinagar has not only shocked consumers but also laid bare the deep flaws in Kashmir’s cold chain infrastructure and regulatory oversight. As the authorities scramble to contain the fallout and extend their investigation beyond city limits, the incident is a stark reminder of a system that has long been operating in shadows, unregulated, unchecked and unsafe. Meat, a dietary staple in the Valley, demands strict cold storage and transportation protocols. In the absence of a robust cold chain, perishable meat products are exposed to fluctuating temperatures, leading to bacterial growth and eventual decomposition. The recent case points to not just negligence but a potential public health disaster that was narrowly averted. There are people who question how did such a large consignment of decomposed meat enter the local supply chain, where was it sourced and who were its intended distributors. The Food Safety Department and allied regulatory bodies must now move beyond temporary crackdowns. A comprehensive audit of meat transportation and storage practices across the Valley is long overdue. Slaughterhouses, cold storage units, wholesale suppliers and transporters must all be brought under a system of strict licensing, monitoring and regular inspections with harsh penalties for violations. Fixing the cold chain is not just the responsibility of one department, but demands coordination between health, food safety, municipal and law enforcement agencies, along with industry stakeholders. Unless a systemic overhaul follows, the next contaminated consignment might not be caught in time. The Valley deserves a food supply system that is modern, transparent and above all, safe. The rot must end now.