Rot in system

The recent back-to-back seizures of rotten and unhygienic meat across various parts of Kashmir are more than isolated violations of food safety as they are an alarming indicator of systemic failure. From 1200 kgs in Srinagar outskirts to now adulterate 2500 Kababs and 150kg Gushtabas, each such seizure tells a story not only of compromised public health but also of glaring loopholes in regulatory enforcement and accountability. Repeated instances of substandard or unsafe meat entering local markets represent a betrayal of public confidence. The very act of selling spoiled meat, knowingly or unknowingly, is not just unethical but criminal. It puts the lives of countless unsuspecting consumers at risk, especially children, the elderly and those with health vulnerabilities. The fact that these seizures are happening with increasing frequency raises serious questions. Are food safety inspections being carried out regularly and thoroughly? Are the existing laws being enforced with adequate seriousness? Is there a lack of trained personnel, infrastructure or simply the will to act against offenders until the problem becomes too large to ignore? This issue also reflects a deeper problem of unregulated supply chains. Many meat vendors operate without proper licensing, in unhygienic conditions, and with little regard for cold storage or transportation standards. In the absence of routine checks, unscrupulous traders find it easy to pass off rotten meat to unsuspecting buyers, prioritizing profit over human lives. What is even more worrying is the potential for these actions to lead to health crises. Consumption of decayed meat can cause severe food poisoning, gastrointestinal infections, and in some cases, even long-term health consequences. In rural areas or among economically weaker sections, where access to quality healthcare is limited, such incidents can prove fatal. Therefore, the administration must act decisively and without delay.