Srinagar trader fined ₹1.8 lakh for selling misbranded chicken

October 4, 2025 by News Desk

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A Srinagar court has imposed a penalty of ₹1.8 lakh on M/S Arif Enterprises, a local meat trading firm, after it was found guilty of selling misbranded chicken products in violation of the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA), 2006.

The case followed a surprise inspection by a Food Safety Officer (Zone-V, Srinagar) at the firm’s premises in Bulbul Bagh Bund, near Tengpora Bridge, on August 11, 2025. During the inspection, 42 packets of packaged chicken were found in cold storage with incomplete labels that lacked essential information such as the use-by date, type of chicken (frozen or chilled), date of packing, and supplier details.

Officials said this violated Section 26(1)(2)(ii) of the FSSA and the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020, which mandate clear disclosure of product name, net quantity, manufacturer or importer details, and FSSAI licence number.

The Adjudicating Officer observed that the firm had failed to produce invoices or documents proving the source of the chicken, despite being given multiple opportunities. The Department of Legal Metrology had already seized the consignment, which remains in custody.

In a strongly worded order, the court noted, “Supplying and selling rotten meat poses a direct and severe threat to public health. They cannot take people for a ride. Such acts are unethical and dangerous, warranting strict penalties to deter future violations.”

While Section 52 of the Act allows for a maximum fine of ₹3 lakh, the court imposed ₹1.8 lakh, citing proportionality under Sections 49 and 52. The firm has been directed to deposit the penalty into the designated account of the Adjudicating Officer, Food Safety and Standards, Srinagar. The Food Safety Department has also been instructed to place the trader under strict surveillance and conduct surprise checks.

The ruling comes amid heightened concerns over food safety in Kashmir, where recent inspections have uncovered expired packaged goods, adulterated oil, and improperly stored dairy products. Officials stress that with one of the highest meat consumption rates in the country, Kashmir requires stringent monitoring of packaging and cold storage practices.

A senior Food Safety Department official said that proper labelling is “the first line of defence for consumers. Without it, buyers cannot judge quality, shelf life, or source, which exposes them to serious health risks.”

The court clarified that the accused firm retains the right to appeal the order before the appellate tribunal.