Around 26 percent random food samples analysed during last three years across Jammu and Kashmir were found adulterated and substandard, raising a question mark over the work of authorities responsible for food safety in the state.
Out of the 10,636 samples tested since 2016-17, as many as2807, that is 26 percent were found to be adulterated or substandard, accordingto data from union consumer affairs ministry
The food samples were randomly picked up from variousmarkets of J&K for testing compliance with Food Safety and StandardsAct.
In 2016-17, 2952 food samples were analysed, of which 1114items turned out to be adulterated or substandard. While in the same period,635 cases were lodged of which only one conviction was recorded.
In 2017-18, the total number of food samples analysed was3643, of which 992 samples were found violating standards. Authorities in thesame period convicted 310 persons, cases registered stood at 921.
For 2018-19, the number of samples found adulterated or substandardstood at 701 out of 4041 samples collected by food safety authorities. However,conviction rate in 698 cases launched was zero.
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has informedthat it has prescribed standards to ensure safe and wholesome food to theconsumers through various regulations notified under Food Safety and StandardsAct.
Implementation and enforcement of these regulationsprimarily lies with state governments.
“Commissioners of Food Safety of different states have beendirected from time to time to conduct regular monitoring, inspection andsampling of food items to enforce compliance of the prescribed standards andtake penal action in cases,” reads the note of the Union Consumer AffairsMinistry.
Reports that food adulteration is rampant in Jammu andKashmir, particularly in the Kashmir region have continuously come in as theHigh Court also felt the need to step in.
In 2016, the High Court took suo-moto cognisance of newsreports about food adulteration and rising cancer incidence published in theGreater Kashmir and treated these as Public Interest Litigation under FoodSafety and Standard Act 2006.
Food adulteration is not a new phenomenon in Kashmir valley.
But doctors say the occurrence has recently seen aphenomenal increase, which has led to a rise in patients with gastric problemsacross Kashmir.