Jammu: According to local FDA officials and media reports, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Jammu Division, destroyed about 500 kg (5 quintals) of decomposed meat and seized around 6,000 kg (≈150 cartons) of raw fish from the India Fish Company warehouse in Jammu during a surprise inspection on 18 February 2026, ahead of the Ramadan period.
Officials said surveillance samples were drawn and sent for laboratory analysis, and final test results are awaited. They added that legal proceedings under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, have been initiated, and the operator’s licence stands liable for cancellation, as per reported action.
Key highlights
- Total seized: ~6,500 kg of meat and fish combined.
- Break‑up: 500 kg decomposed meat (destroyed); ~6,000 kg raw fish (seized, under testing).
- Timing: Action taken before Ramadan.
- Enforcing authority: FDA Jammu Division.
- Next steps: Surveillance samples under laboratory testing; final results awaited.
- Legal status: Proceedings initiated under Sections 56 and 58 of the FSS Act; licence liable for cancellation.
Enforcement and supervision
As per local FDA officials and media reports, the inspection was led by the Deputy Commissioner, Food Safety, Jammu, under the supervision of Commissioner, Food Safety J&K, Smita Sethi.
Several reports said the enforcement drive was carried out on the directions of J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and was monitored by Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo, in view of heightened food demand ahead of Ramadan.
Core facts (as reported)
- 500 kg (5 quintals) of decomposed meat were found and destroyed during the inspection.
- About 6,000 kg (≈150 cartons) of raw fish were seized as suspected unfit for consumption, pending laboratory confirmation.
- Reports stated that the seized items were disposed of at the operator’s cost.
- Surveillance samples were sent for laboratory testing.
- Legal proceedings under Sections 56 and 58 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006—relating to unsafe food and penalties for unsafe articles—have been initiated for alleged gross violations, including failure to maintain the cold chain and insanitary conditions.
- The operator’s licence is liable for cancellation, officials said.
Transport and origin (official allegation)
Officials alleged that the fish consignment had been transported by road from Andhra Pradesh on 10 February, allegedly without adequate refrigeration, according to local reports. Authorities said these claims form part of preliminary findings and will be assessed alongside laboratory results.
Health and safety context
Officials cautioned that improperly stored meat and fish can pose health risks in general, but emphasised that no confirmed health outcomes have been linked to this consignment. They reiterated that preliminary checks do not amount to a final legal or scientific determination, and conclusions will depend on laboratory confirmation.
Consumer guidance
While the enforcement action was carried out by FDA Jammu Division, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) advises consumers to:
- Buy meat and fish only from licensed or registered outlets with proper refrigeration.
- Avoid products wrapped in newspaper or ordinary paper.
- Reject items with a foul odour, slimy texture, or abnormal colour.
Officials also said consumers can report food‑safety complaints via the toll‑free helpline 104, as cited in local reports.
FAQ
According to local FDA officials and media reports, authorities destroyed 500 kg of decomposed meat and seized 6,000 kg of raw fish during a surprise inspection on 18 February 2026, ahead of Ramadan.
No. Officials said preliminary findings indicated the fish was unsafe, but final laboratory confirmation is awaited.
FSSAI advises purchasing from licensed outlets with refrigeration, avoiding newspaper‑wrapped products, and rejecting items with suspicious smell, texture, or appearance.
Legal proceedings under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, may lead to licence cancellation and further prosecution, depending on laboratory findings and the outcome of the investigation.
Officials alleged the consignment was transported by road from Andhra Pradesh on 10 February, allegedly without adequate refrigeration, as per local reports. Final verification is pending laboratory results.
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