SRINAGAR, AUGUST 19: A delegation from the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Kashmir (PHDCCI), led by its Chairman A P Vicky Shaw, held a significant meeting today with Dr. Owais Ahmad, IAS, Director of the Department of Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Kashmir.
The primary agenda of the meeting was to discuss critical issues concerning food safety and the establishment of a hygienic supply chain for essential commodities in the region. The PHDCCI delegation commended the proactive efforts and rigorous inspections conducted by the Department under Dr. Owais Ahmad leadership, which led to the recent unearthing of unhygienic dressed and minced meat supplies in Kashmir. The Chamber lauded this decisive action as a crucial step towards safeguarding public health.
Building on this positive development, the PHDCCI presented a set of suggestions to ensure long-term food safety. The delegation emphasized the urgent need to now establish and maintain a controlled, hygienic supply chain with clear guidelines. This includes making hotel and restaurant establishments accountable and legally responsible for serving authentic, quality food to consumers. The discussion broadened to encompass all essential public supplies. The PHDCCI stressed that every commodity, including rice, sugar, meat, milk, poultry, and even medicine, must conform to the highest standards of quality and safety. The PHDCCI also highlighted the need for ease in developing in-house infrastructure for supply, storage, and the rearing of livestock to boost local production and ensure traceability.
A P Vicky Shaw stated, “While we strongly support the department’s action against malpractices, the focus must now shift to creating a sustainable ecosystem for hygiene. We need a framework that supports businesses in adhering to the rules easily, from farm to fork. The entrepreneurial spirit of J&K’s youth can be channeled to build this robust local supply chain.” In response, Dr. Owais Ahmad assured the delegation of the Department’s unwavering commitment. He stated, “The department will carry out these inspections and market checks in tandem without any lapses. This is a matter of the health and safety of our own people, and there will be no leniency. Businesses connected to the food supply chain, directly or indirectly, must be very cautious and treat this as a religious obligation. No one will be allowed to play with the health of the people henceforth.”
The Director clarified that there is no objection to the supply of hygienic, branded products that have a proper supply chain, batch numbers, expiry dates, detailed ingredient lists, and prescribed cold chain maintenance. He specifically noted that such products, especially dressed and packaged meat, must also possess valid Halal certifications to meet community standards.