Contain the poison

The High Court has taken a strong exception, and rightly so, to the inept performance of the government in checking food adulteration. In Srinagar, the court has apparently been informed, only four food samples have been taken for testing this summer. The court was hearing a PIL seeking implementation of Food Safety and Standard Act, 2006 to check food adulteration. The petitioners have rightly pointed out that there is adulteration in all kinds of eatables, which in some case is life-threatening.
However, it’s not merely the so called life-threatening adulteration which is a cause of concern. The deteriorating quality of food stuff and the grave trend of increasing adulteration is a slow-poison that is wreaking havoc on the state of health in the valley. The shocking increase in the prevalence of various kinds of cancer is one of the direct results of this menace. One can imagine the state of general health and well being of people in Jammu and Kashmir. The government, however, seems to not bother.
The court has noted: “Before dealing with [the concerned authorities] in accordance with law, one more opportunity is given to them to discharge their duty honestly and with sincerity.” Leaving aside the question whether the authorities deserve “one more opportunity”, it is hoped that the court continues to maintain pressure on the government so that the people are saved from the “slow-poison” they eat and drink.

Blurb: The grave trend of increasing adulteration in food is a slow-poison that is wreaking havoc on the state of health in Kashmir. The shocking increase in the prevalence of cancer, for example, is one of the direct results of this menace. The government, however, seems to not bother

The government must follow the directions of the court on a priority basis. The court has directed the authorities to take necessary steps for making the provisions of the Act “effective and visible on the ground”. The authorities have been asked to take samples on weekly basis from all factories and industrial units which manufacture and produce spices of all kinds, ensure testing and initiate necessary action by law. The court also directed authorities to test the milk which is sold in the market and proceed in accordance with law wherever samples are found adulterated.
District Magistrates have been directed to closely monitor the functioning of the authorities responsible for maintaining food standards in their respective districts. The court has also demanded a report on the condition of slaughter houses in the districts, while asking the respondents to provide further information about the result of samples which have been already taken and referred for testing in past. The directions of the court regarding the issue are well taken and must be followed by the authorities without any delay.