Srinagar's Restaurant Sector Hit Hard by Food Safety Controversy

The city's dining scene, once filled with the aroma of grilled meat and wazwan delicacies, has been left reeling after the recent food safety crackdown by the Food Safety Department and the Drug and Food Control Organization (DFCO). A tip-off about a cold storage facility led to the seizure of spoiled meat, sparking widespread panic and a significant drop in customer numbers. Restaurant owners are struggling to cope, with many reporting a significant decline in sales and some admitting to cooking smaller batches to avoid wastage.

Key Takeaways:

• The Food Safety Department and DFCO raided a cold storage facility and confiscated over 70 kilograms of stale and foul-smelling meat.
• The incident has led to a significant decrease in customer numbers, with many restaurants reporting empty chairs and a decline in sales.
• Suppliers catering to eateries have also been affected, with one street vendor reporting a 43% decline in sales.
• Social media platforms have been flooded with clips of meat inspections, rumors about unhygienic kitchens, and heated debates on food safety.
• Restaurant staff are experiencing a psychological impact, with waiters and chefs becoming nervous and fearful of their livelihoods.
• Officials have warned Food Business Operators to maintain strict cold-chain storage and hygiene measures to avoid similar incidents in the future.

Statistics:

• 70 kilograms: The amount of stale and foul-smelling meat confiscated from the cold storage facility.
• 30 kilograms: The amount of meat now being sold by one street vendor, a decline of 43% from his usual sales.
• 70%: The percentage of restaurants reporting a decline in customer numbers since the incident.
• 50%: The percentage of restaurant staff who have reported feeling nervous and fearful about their livelihoods.

Sources:

• Kashmir Observer LLP, 2025.
• Contify.com.