Mubashir Alam Wani
Srinagar, Aug 4: The Jammu and Kashmir Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is set to bring stringent regulations on the supply of dressed mutton and chicken entering J&K from outside, with a specific focus on mandatory labelling and source disclosure, following public concerns over meat quality.
Commissioner FDA Smita Sethi, Commissioner Food and Drug Administration J&K, clarified that there was no ban on mutton or chicken supplies. She said all consignments must now strictly follow legal provisions related to labelling, hygiene, and traceability.
“We are not imposing a ban, but we are enforcing strict compliance. Whatever is brought into the valley must have proper labelling, a source of origin, processing details, and other necessary information so that customers know exactly what they are buying,” she said.
The move comes in the wake of rising religious and public health concerns, particularly after several Muslim religious bodies, including the Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulama (MMU), the largest conglomerate of religious organisations in Jammu & Kashmir, questioned whether meat coming from outside J&K met halal standards.
Sethi said labelling transparency would help avoid hurting religious sensitivities and ensure legal accountability. “If you are not giving the right information to the consumer, that is a violation, and that will be dealt with as per law,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner said the FDA has launched a full-fledged investigation into the recent recovery of 1200 kilogrammes of rotten mutton, which was reportedly being transported for local consumption, possibly to restaurants and hotels.
“We are establishing a complete chain. No one transports 1200 kg without a destination in mind. We are tracking who was involved and where it was meant to be sold,” she said.
Sethi confirmed that some illegal storage points were identified and more locations were under scrutiny. “We are keeping the investigation confidential for now. Revealing too much at this stage could alert those involved and allow them to dodge action,” she said.
The department will soon issue a public notice to raise awareness among consumers and vendors about labelling norms and food safety protocols.
A case has been registered in the case. As per the officials, an FIR bearing no. 48/25 U/S 271, 275, 61(1) BNS stands registered in Police Station Zakoora against the individuals selling spoiled and rotten meat in the market.
