Check quality of meat: HC Authorities directed to lift samples from open market, file status report within 4 weeks

Srinagar, August 24

Observing that the supply of meat or mutton in the state is an important issue as it is consumed in large quantities, the Jammu and Kashmir High Court has directed the authorities concerned to take samples of the raw meat sold in the open market.
After lifting the samples of raw meat from the open market, the authorities concerned have been asked to submit a report in this regard to the court within four weeks.
The High Court is hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking implementation of the food safety standards to check food adulteration in the state.
In the wake of adulteration of various food items and reports of unhygienic conditions in the food processing and manufacturing units, earlier on January 6, the High Court had sought details of the slaughter houses in all the districts of the state.
“The supply of meat in the state is an important issue because its consumption is high,” a Division Bench of the High Court observed in its orders passed this week and made available today.
The High Court had earlier issued directions to constitute a committee to suggest how to provide quality meat to the consumers. Te Bench observed that the committee submitted its report, recommending checking of sheep or goat on entry points and maintenance of hygiene in slaughter houses.
“The recommendations have been forwarded to the agency concerned. However, no report whether the recommendations by the committee in its form submitted or some modification were required to be incorporated, has not been stated,” the Bench said in its orders while directing the authorities concerned to file a status report in this regard by or before next hearing.
“Regarding samples of raw meat which is sold in open shops, no report has been filed. Accordingly, we direct that a separate status report be filed after lifting samples of raw meat which is sold in open shops and specification as laid down in the Act and the rules be kept in view,” the High Court said.
Similarly, a status report regarding private and public sector abattoirs should be filed before the court, the court said while directing the authorities concerned to file a status report in this regard within four weeks.
The High Court has also revealed that in the status report by the Chief Secretary filed on August 20, it has been highlighted that the Controller (Drug and Food Control Organisation) who was also appointed the Commissioner, Food Safety, J&K, has now been replaced by appointing Administrative Secretary of the Health and Medical Education as Commissioner in addition to his own duties.
“The respondents have expressed their inability to appoint an independent officer as Food Safety Commissioner,” the High Court observed in its orders while referring to the submission made in the status report.
In respect of the Food Safety Tribunal replacing the mechanism adopted by the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1994, the status report states, the matter has been taken up with the Finance Department for creation of the post of Presiding Officer of the rank of district and sessions judge and the allied staff.
“It is assured that the matter is given priority and it is under active consideration,” the court said.