Fazil Mir
Budgam (J&K), Nov 14 (NVI): Around 1,600 kg of deteriorated meat, declared unfit for human consumption, was seized at Budgam railway station after railway police detected a suspicious consignment emitting a foul smell and leaking blood, officials said on Saturday.
The consignment came under scrutiny after railway police noticed the leakage and foul smell, following which officials from the Food Safety Department and Veterinary Department were informed.
A veterinary doctor inspected the meat and issued a certificate declaring the entire consignment unfit for human consumption due to its highly deteriorated condition and potential health risks, an official said.
The seized meat was being disposed of in the presence of the Tehsildar, Executive Officer of the Municipal Committee Budgam and officials of the Food Safety Department, he said.
An FIR (No. 05) has been registered under Section 271 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and further investigation is underway to identify those involved in transporting and handling the consignment.
The official said the consignment was unmarked and had not been booked in the name of any identifiable person. Police are also questioning railway authorities to ascertain how such a consignment was accepted without proper documentation.
He said transportation of meat requires mandatory documents, including slaughterhouse, veterinary and Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) certificates, besides adequate refrigeration facilities to maintain the prescribed temperature of minus 18 degrees Celsius or below.
Further investigation into the matter is underway, officials said.—(NVI)
