Bandipora Food Safety Crackdown: Fines Imposed and Unsafe Food Destroyed Ahead of Shab-e-Miraj
BANDIPORA, January 14, 2026 — In a major move to ensure public health safety ahead of Shab-e-Miraj, food safety officials conducted a massive inspection drive across Bandipora’s main town, resulting in a cumulative fine of ₹28,000.
The operation, carried out by the Intelligence-cum-Legal Cell and the local Food Safety team under the supervision of the Deputy Commissioner of Food Safety, Kashmir, targeted various establishments including bakeries, butcher shops, restaurants, and grocery stores.
During the exercise, several Food Business Operators (FBOs) were found in violation of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, leading to the immediate penalties.Beyond the monetary fines, authorities destroyed approximately 60 kilograms of prepared food on-site after it was deemed unfit for human consumption.
To further improve local standards, all butchers were issued strict directives to install glass frames to maintain hygienic meat displays, with warnings of stern legal action for non-compliance. Commissioner of Food and Drugs Administration, Samita Sethi, has since ordered an intensification of these inspection drives across the Union Territory.
She also urged the public to remain vigilant and utilize the toll-free helpline 104 to report any food safety concerns or complaints.