Prevent health hazards

The alarm raised by a local legislator in Jammu and Kashmir over an alleged adulterated eggs being sold in the markers has prompted the government to launch a probe to ascertain the facts. The timely intervention by the government is welcome as any possibility of toxic or carcinogenic substances entering the food chain represents a grave threat to public health. Therefore, the government has to take this issue with utmost urgency. Eggs, being affordable, healthy and full of nutrition, are primary in countless households, thus, it becomes imperative at this juncture to ensure that the concern raised by anyone are not ignored and taken in a positive way for the wellbeing of the people. Food safety is a fundamental responsibility of the administration and thus the immediate intervention in this regard by the government is appreciable. The department concerned must start random sampling, laboratory testing and market inspections and see whether any violation is taking place, so that the stringent action including cancellation of licenses and prosecution of offenders are taken without any delay. The allegations of adulterated eggs surfaced just a few a months after the adulterated meat and other related food stuff was found to be sold in the market. Therefore, it is imperative to continue the market checking across Jammu and Kashmir to ensure that the public health is prioritized. By launching the drives on regular basis, the message must be clear that tampering with food items will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Ensuring safe food is though shared responsibility, but the primary onus lies with the government. The people at the helm of affairs need to protect citizens from potential health hazards.