J&K Health Minister Confirms Rigorous Market Inspections and Rice Sampling to Combat Adulteration

JAMMU, February 04, 2026 — Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo, informed the Legislative Assembly today that the Health Department has intensified market inspections and rice sampling across Jammu and Kashmir, including Srinagar, to eliminate the sale of adulterated food products.

Replying to a query by Legislator Shamim Firdous, the Minister revealed that during the 2025-26 financial year, 121 rice samples were collected and dispatched to NABL-accredited laboratories for rigorous analysis. Out of the 110 test reports received to date, seven samples were classified as “Not of Standard Quality” (NSQ), leading to legal proceedings in competent courts under the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA), 2006.

Minister Itoo specifically noted that three of these failed samples contained Folic Acid levels below the legal requirement, while four others exceeded the permissible limits for chalky kernels. This proactive enforcement remains a top priority for the administration to ensure public health and maintain the integrity of essential food supplies throughout the Union Territory.