After rotten meat, the Kashmir valley is now grappling with the menace of adulterated eggs on their plates.
On Thursday, an elected representative of the ruling National Conference flagged this issue, expressing deep concern over reports of nitrofuran and nitroimidazole residues being detected in eggs, supplied across the valley.
The National Conference legislator also urged the Chief Minister to intervene in the matter.
“For the safety of our people, there can be no compromise. This must be treated with utmost urgency,” the National Conference MLA posted. Both these drugs are strictly banned in food-producing animals because of their carcinogenic and toxic effects.
In recent months, the enforcement agencies in the valley have seized thousands of kilograms of rotten meat, stale fish, and low-cost dressed chicken unfit for human consumption.
Responding swiftly to the health alert, the Jammu and Kashmir Government has already ordered an urgent investigation into allegations of adulterated eggs being sold in the market.
According to an official communication issued from the office of the Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, the matter came to light through posts shared on the social media handle of Tanvir Sadiq, MLA in the J&K Legislative Assembly.
The minister’s office noted that the legislator also publicly expressed concern that such adulteration could be harmful to consumers, prompting the Government to seek a prompt review of the matter.
In response, the Minister for FCS&CA directed the Controller of the Legal Metrology Department to urgently examine and verify the allegations. The department has been asked to submit a detailed report within two days for the perusal of the minister.
Officials said the inquiry aims to determine whether adulterated eggs are indeed being sold and, if confirmed, to identify the source and take corrective action to safeguard public health.
Raising the issue, Tanvir Sadiq, in his post on X, also claimed that the issue of adulterated eggs becomes even more serious because eggs are consumed heavily by children, senior citizens, and patients.
Doctors often prescribe eggs as a primary source of protein, making this a direct public-health risk.
“I urge the Health Minister @sakinaitoo and Food and Supplies Minister @satishsharmajnk and their Department of Food & Supplies and Food Safety authorities to immediately investigate, conduct residue testing across markets, trace the source, and take strict action against violators,” Sadiq posted on X.
