By Dr. Fiaz Maqbool Fazili

The state of street food safety in Kashmir has long been a matter of concern, yet little to no action has been taken to address this growing issue. A recent horrifying incident involving rats discovered floating in boiling cooking oil at a street vendor’s stall has sent shockwaves through the community. It raises critical questions about the responsibilities of health authorities and food safety regulators. Who is accountable for ensuring that the food consumed by the masses is safe? How many more such incidents go unnoticed? Are we waiting for an even larger catastrophe to finally act?

Health Authorities and Their Laxity

Recipe for Disaster.

One cannot help but question the role of public health authorities in maintaining food safety standards. Their duty is to monitor, inspect, and enforce hygiene regulations, but what we witness is a blatant disregard for public health. The presence of contaminated and adulterated food is not an isolated incident but a reflection of a systemic failure that has existed for years. The lack of stringent monitoring allows vendors to continue their hazardous practices without fear of consequence. Do we really need more such terrifying discoveries, like an elephant floating in oil, before we take this issue seriously?

Adulterated Food: A Silent Killer in Kashmir
The surge in cancer cases in Kashmir is alarming, and while several factors contribute to it, one undeniable common denominator is food adulteration. Street food, often cooked in reused, overcooked oil, is a known carcinogen. Chemically ripened fruits, artificially colored vegetables, and contaminated dairy products are widely consumed. What makes matters worse is that most of this food is stored in unhygienic conditions,........

© Kashmir Observer