Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed disturbing revelations about rotten mutton and substandard poultry products finding their way into the market — some even making it to restaurant kitchens and hotel menus. The initial public outrage was loud and clear, but as time passes, such issues often slip from our collective memory. This short public attention span is dangerous. The quality of the food we consume is directly linked to our health, and forgetting such incidents only emboldens unscrupulous traders to repeat their misdeeds.
The truth is, once the headlines fade and inspections lose urgency, the same supply chains that brought in inferior, unhygienic meat and poultry regain their foothold. Restaurants and hotels — trusted by families and tourists alike — can become unknowing conduits for these harmful products if there is no consistent vigilance. Consumers must remember that food safety is not a one-time concern but an ongoing battle. If the public does not demand accountability, enforcement agencies may lose momentum and illegal imports could quietly resume.
This is where the government’s role becomes critical. Commitments to safeguard public health cannot be seasonal. Authorities must put in place stringent checks at all entry points to prevent rotten meat and poultry from ever reaching our markets. Routine inspections, surprise raids, and well-equipped testing laboratories in every district should not just be promises, but a functioning reality. Strong penalties for violators will serve as a deterrent, while transparency in inspection reports can restore public trust.
Equally, citizens must play their part. Choosing reputed outlets, asking questions about food sources, and reporting suspicious sales are small but powerful steps towards creating a culture of food safety. Our collective vigilance can ensure that no restaurant, hotel, or butcher shop dares to compromise on quality.
Food is not just about taste — it is about health, dignity, and trust. Let us not allow short-term memory to cost us long-term well-being. Once we let rotten deals pass unchecked, we invite them back to our plates. This is one invitation we cannot afford to send.
