Chairman GNSCT, Parvinder Singh highlights Rampant Street Food Hazards in Jammu: A Wake-Up Call for Authorities.
||Black and White Digital News ||
||February 24,2025 ||
JAMMU : Chairman, GNSCT highlighted that the streets of Jammu have been witnessing an alarming rise in unregulated and unhygienic food stalls, especially momo shops that have mushroomed in every corner of the city. The shocking videos of a dead rat in a container of frying oil and stray dogs feasting on raw meat at butcher shops have shaken public confidence in the safety of the food they consume. These horrifying visuals are not isolated incidents but symptoms of a larger problem that demands immediate government intervention.
He awared about brewing Public Health Crisis: Jammu has seen a steady increase in foodborne illnesses, particularly Hepatitis A and bacterial infections, directly linked to unhygienic food preparation and storage. Medical experts have consistently raised alarms about the dangers posed by vendors failing to adhere to food safety norms. A major contributing factor is the improper storage and handling street food and frozen foods, which allows harmful bacteria to thrive. Most vendors operate without maintaining the required cold chain, storing poultry and mutton in makeshift coolers where microbial growth becomes inevitable. This unchecked practice is making street food a silent threat to public health.
He highlighted about Toxic Cooking Practices:
The Silent Killer, he said that another serious issue is the repeated reuse of cooking oil, a widespread malpractice among street vendors. Studies have shown that reusing oil for days leads to the formation of carcinogenic compounds that pose a long-term risk of cancer and other serious health conditions. Although the J&K Food Control Department claims to have a used-oil recycling program, the reality on the ground tells a different story. Most small eateries and street vendors neither follow the prescribed guidelines nor are they monitored effectively.
He showed conncern about appalling Sanitation Standards, Sanitation remains a major concern in Jammu’s food stalls and dhabas. Basic hygiene practices are frequently ignored—workers handle food with bare hands without washing them, even after dealing with waste or handling money. In crowded markets, food items are left uncovered, allowing dust, flies, and vehicle emissions to settle on them. This blatant disregard for hygiene not only increases the risk of infections but also raises concerns about the enforcement of food safety laws.
He emphasized that lax Enforcement is a Major Roadblock,The root cause of this escalating crisis is the sheer failure of enforcement agencies. Food safety laws exist, but without strict implementation, they remain ineffective. Rarely does one hear of any street vendor or small eatery being shut down or penalized for violating hygiene regulations. The recent viral videos should serve as a wake-up call, prompting immediate action from the authorities.
He Called for Stringent Measures, He urged that solution to this crisis is neither complicated nor unattainable. The Food Control Department must conduct regular and unannounced inspections of food vendors and impose heavy penalties on violators. Additionally, vendors should undergo mandatory hygiene training to ensure they adhere to safe food handling practices. At the same time, public awareness campaigns should be launched, educating citizens about the risks of consuming unhygienic street food and encouraging them to hold businesses accountable.He further said that If urgent steps are not taken, the streets of Jammu will continue to be breeding grounds for disease. It is high time that the government, enforcement agencies, and the public collectively demand safer food and ensure that hygiene standards are strictly enforced. The health of the people cannot be compromised for the sake of unregulated business interests.
