Ganderbal, July 27: Acting on public complaints over the alleged distribution of substandard wheat flour through government sale centres, the Food Safety Department on Monday launched a crackdown in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, collecting flour samples from multiple Public Distribution System (PDS) outlets and seizing 19 quintals of atta for further investigation.
Officials said inspection teams visited government sale centres at Yangora and Wakura following allegations from residents that the quality of flour supplied through these outlets was unfit for consumption.
During the inspection, officials found the quality of the flour to be unsatisfactory and immediately collected samples from both locations. The samples have been sent to a laboratory for detailed analysis, while officials said further legal action will be initiated only after the laboratory test reports are received.
“We inspected the Public Distribution System stores in Yangora and Wakura. During the inspection, we found that the quality of the flour was not satisfactory. Samples have been collected from both centres and sent to the laboratory. Further action will be taken only after the laboratory report is received,” a Food Safety Department official said.
The department also seized 19 quintals of flour, including 7 quintals from Yangora and 12 quintals from Wakura, and completed the necessary legal documentation under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act.
Officials said the flour stocked at the two centres originated from different sources. While the flour available at the Yangora sale centre was supplied by Jhelum Flour Mill, the stock at Wakura was sourced from Punjab Flour Mill, indicating that the consignments were from different manufacturers.
The official further revealed that the department had earlier collected samples of raw wheat supplied from Badragund to Jhelum Flour Mill, which were subsequently declared unsafe during laboratory analysis. The wheat stock related to that case had already been seized, and the matter remains under investigation.
Authorities said all necessary procedures have been followed and the concerned Food Business Operators (FBOs) will also be proceeded against in accordance with the Food Safety and Standards Act, depending on the outcome of the laboratory examination.
The latest action comes days after residents in Ganderbal alleged that poor-quality atta was being distributed through government sale centres, prompting demands for an immediate inquiry and strict action against those responsible.
The Food Safety Department has urged the public not to panic, assuring consumers that the seized stock will remain withheld until laboratory findings establish whether the flour meets prescribed food safety standards. Officials reiterated that strict action would be taken if the samples fail to meet quality and safety norms.
