By Ajaz Rashid
Few events strike at the heart of public trust as severely as a food safety scandal. The recent seizure of 1,200 kilograms of rotten and unfit meat across the Kashmir Valley has triggered one of the most severe blows to the region’s hospitality sector in recent memory. What was once a vibrant dining culture—particularly in Srinagar—now lies under a cloud of suspicion, with restaurant sales reportedly plunging by up to 80 per cent.
The images of seized, decomposed meat and unlabelled frozen consignments have done more than just dent sales figures—they have shaken the very foundation of consumer confidence. Families who once gathered at Khayam Food Court or trendy cafes in the city are now cooking at home, unsure of what lurks behind a restaurant menu. Even loyal customers have become hesitant, and the bustling food scene of Srinagar has given way to half-empty halls and anxious business owners.
The industry’s plea is clear: hold the culprits accountable and tighten regulatory checks at every stage of the supply chain. Babar Chowdhary, representing the Hotel and Restaurant Association, has rightly called for a food-testing laboratory at Lakhanpur, the gateway into Jammu and Kashmir. Without such mechanisms, the Valley remains vulnerable to profiteers who put public health and livelihoods at risk.
But beyond institutional measures, this crisis highlights a deeper failure. Food safety should not depend on sporadic raids triggered by tip-offs. It must be a sustained system of monitoring, certification, and transparent supply chains. The seizure of over a ton of rotten meat suggests not just negligence, but a network of suppliers willing to gamble with lives for quick profits.
The economic fallout is already visible. From high-end eateries to small roadside dhabas, the dip in footfall threatens thousands of jobs in a region where the service sector has become an important livelihood option. Restaurant owners worry about paying salaries, retaining staff, and sustaining businesses amid plummeting sales. The damage to reputation may take months, if not years, to repair.
For now, the onus lies on the administration to restore faith through visible, strict, and consistent action. For Kashmir’s food industry, the challenge is not just survival, but regaining the trust of a public that feels betrayed. Without that trust, every plate served will remain under suspicion.