“Buy Fresh, Not Frozen”: Urban Poultry Dealers Association President Warns Against Frozen Meat Imports In Kashmir
Srinagar, 03 Aug, 2025: The growing influx of frozen meat into the Kashmir Valley has drawn sharp criticism from the Urban Poultry Dealers Association (UPDA), Kashmir President Parveez Ahmad Wani warning of its dangerous consequences on public health, halal integrity and the region’s poultry economy. His statements come in the wake of a major food safety enforcement action in Srinagar that revealed just how serious the problem has become.
Addressing the media, UPDA President Parveez Wani expressed deep concern over the increasing import of frozen dressed chicken and other meats being brought into Kashmir from outside states.“When we are nearly self-sufficient in poultry, why should we be forced to accept frozen meat from outside?” he questioned.
Wani emphasized that 85% of poultry consumed in Kashmir is locally produced and only 10–15% is imported live. He argued that mass shipments of frozen meat are not only unnecessary but also harmful undermining the efforts of thousands of local poultry farmers who are struggling with high feed prices, low margins and seasonal market crashes.
The UPDA president warned that frozen chicken, mutton and fish often stored and transported over long distances—pose serious health risks. “If you keep broiler chicken in a bag for just two hours, it begins to rot. Now imagine it traveling for hundreds of kilometers in questionable conditions how can that be safe?”
He raised alarm over the link between the consumption of such meat and rising health issues in the Valley. “Hospitals are overcrowded, queues are endless this is directly connected to what we’re consuming,”.
Additionally, Wani said that many doctors recommend white meat to some patients, but frozen chicken might ironically be “worse than red meat” due to its degraded quality.
Parveez highlighted the lack of halal compliance in machine-processed frozen meat brought in from outside Kashmir.“Much of this meat is not slaughtered according to halal standards. It is processed in large batches using machines and often stored in dirty drums. I’ve seen videos of these unhygienic practices myself.”
He insisted that halal integrity can only be guaranteed when live poultry is slaughtered in front of the customer or under certified oversight.
Wani’s concerns were further validated by a major enforcement action earlier this week.
Acting on specific input, a joint team from the Food Safety Department Srinagar and Drug and Food Control Organization (DFCO) raided a cold storage facility in Srinagar. The operation, led by Yameen Ul Nabi, Assistant Commissioner, Food Safety Srinagar, uncovered a shocking 1,200 kilograms of rotten and foul-smelling meat allegedly intended for public sale.
According to an official statement“The meat was stored in unhygienic and illegal conditions and found to be completely unfit for human consumption. It was destroyed on the spot under strict supervision. Legal action has been initiated under the Food Safety and Standards Act.”
The raid was conducted under the instructions of Smita Sethi, Commissioner, FDA J&K and Secretary Health and Medical Education, who has directed her teams to maintain strict surveillance across food supply chains in the Valley.
The enforcement action received widespread support from citizens Manzoor Ahmad, a local resident, said “This is a serious crime against public health. If consumed, this meat could have caused severe illness or even fatalities. We thank the authorities for acting swiftly.”
Ghulam Mohammad, another consumer, said“We often worry about the quality of meat we buy. This raid gives us some reassurance that the government is monitoring things seriously.”
On social media, public appreciation poured in. One Facebook user posted“Big thanks to the Food Safety Dept Srinagar! 1,200 kg of unsafe meat stopped from entering our kitchens. Public health must always come first!”
UPDA President Parveez Wani urged the J&K Government to take policy-level steps to safeguard local poultry farmers and public health.
He called for, A formal inspection and testing system at entry points for all imported meat; Strict regulation of frozen meat imports, especially those not meeting halal or safety standards; Government subsidies on poultry feed and chicks to support local producers; Fair pricing mechanisms to ensure farmers don’t suffer losses. “Today a farmer spends ₹130 per kg a bird, but is forced to sell at ₹80/ per kg. This is not sustainable. They are drowning in losses.”
Wani concluded with heartfelt appeals to both the public and businesses operating in the food sector “Buy live poultry and have it slaughtered in front of you. It’s fresher, safer and halal. Please stop supporting frozen, pre-slaughtered chicken from outside the Valley. Support your own farmers.”
To food processing businesses, he added “If you want to operate in Kashmir, source your supplies locally. Let’s protect both our health and our economy.”
The Food Safety Department reiterated its commitment to food safety and urged the public to remain alert.“Hygienic handling and temperature control for perishable items like meat are non-negotiable. Any Food Business Operator found violating safety standards will face strict action,” the department said.
Citizens and food businesses have been encouraged to report unsafe or suspicious practices by contacting the food safety helpline at 104.
With the issue of frozen meat imports now in the spotlight, a broader public debate is unfolding across Kashmir. As stakeholders urge a return to fresh, local poultry, the onus is now on policymakers, regulators, and consumers to act together to protect public health and support the region’s farming Economy.
