Over 4,000 food samples found non-conforming in five years in J&K

New Delhi, Aug 8: Jammu and Kashmir authorities analysed 54,169 food samples during the five-year period from 2021-22 to 2025-26, of which 4,995 were found non-conforming, while thousands of civil cases were decided with penalties, according to data furnished by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in the Lok Sabha.
As per the State/UT-wise data provided by the Ministry, J&K analysed 6,546 food samples during 2025-26, of which 664 were found non-conforming. During the period, 1,368 civil cases were decided with penalty, while 14 convictions were recorded. The ministry noted that the 2025-26 data is provisional and subject to revision based on further laboratory testing and court proceedings.
In 2024-25, J&K analysed 6,955 samples, of which 651 were found non-conforming. As many as 1,239 civil cases were decided with penalty, while 29 convictions were recorded.
The data further shows that 9,057 samples were analysed in J&K during 2023-24, with 750 found non-conforming. During the year, 1,612 civil cases were decided with penalty and 22 convictions were recorded.
In 2022-23, authorities analysed 13,502 food samples in J&K, of which 1,195 were found non-conforming. A total of 1,592 civil cases were decided with penalty, while 15 convictions were recorded.
During 2021-22, J&K analysed 8,109 samples, with 1,735 found non-conforming. The year witnessed 1,931 civil cases being decided with penalty, while four convictions were recorded.
Taken together, the data shows that J&K analysed 54,169 samples during the five-year period, with 4,995 samples found non-conforming. A total of 7,742 civil cases were decided with penalty, while 84 convictions were recorded during the period.
The Ministry said food safety enforcement and implementation of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 is primarily the responsibility of State/UT Food Safety Authorities, which undertake surveillance, monitoring, inspections, targeted enforcement drives and sampling activities.
Meanwhile, the State-wise data on Food Safety Officers shows that Jammu and Kashmir has 101 sanctioned posts, of which 79 are filled while 22 posts are vacant.
The Ministry said matters related to vacancies of Food Safety Officers in States and UTs are taken up regularly with the Commissioners of Food Safety through meetings of the Central Advisory Committee.
The Ministry also said the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has notified 259 NABL-accredited food testing laboratories and 24 referral food laboratories across the country. Food analysts are required to submit analysis reports within 14 days of receipt of samples.
The government said FSSAI is mandated to lay down science-based standards for food and regulate its manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import to ensure the availability of safe and wholesome food for human consumption.
The data was furnished in response to a Lok Sabha question regarding food adulteration, contamination, counterfeiting, violations of food safety standards, testing infrastructure and vacancies of Food Safety Officers. (KNO)