Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Aug 12: Over a week after the seizure of large quantities of rotten meat across the Kashmir Valley, authorities are now investigating reports that some of the meat may have been treated with formaldehyde, a chemical used to preserve dead bodies and classified as a human carcinogen.
Officials said that laboratory test results are pending, and currently, the presence of formaldehyde remains unconfirmed, with officials describing the reports as “market chatter” at this stage.
According to reports, suppliers involved in the recent large-scale confiscation are allegedly suspected of using formaldehyde to prevent the meat from decomposing, raising serious health concerns.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Dr Tariq Tramboo expressed concern over the influx of “unregulated frozen meat coming from outside,” warning that such meat may contain harmful preservatives like formaldehyde, posing a significant public health threat.
Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Kashmir, Smiti Sethi, said that samples are being collected from various parts of the valley and sent for laboratory analysis. “People are talking about formaldehyde, but until the reports arrive, we cannot confirm or rule out anything,” she said. “Samples are being taken from across the valley, and we are awaiting the results.”
This investigation follows one of the largest food safety crackdowns in recent years, during which over 11,000 kilograms of rotten meat were seized. Authorities have assured the public that inspections and raids will continue until markets are free from unsafe food products.
It is noteworthy that the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies formaldehyde as a carcinogen, heightening concerns over its potential use in food products.
