The need to keep an eye on vendors dealing with meat, poultry and dairy products round-the-clock is quite necessary because it has been seen that every time, the routine checking of the aforesaid vendors has been conducted, bulk of products has been found sub-standard or in a putrid form, which is not up to the mark and hence is subjected to disposal safely.
In the same context, reports have come from Jammu City that on the instructions of JMC Commissioner, a joint team of Jammu Municipal Corporation and doctors conducted various surprise inspections ahead of Eid-ul-fitr in different areas of Jammu City to ensure the sale of wholesome, good quality meat and meat byproducts to the consumers. Sadly, again about 25 kg of substandard meat was seized and later on disposed off scientifically besides a fine to the tune of Rs 10,000 was imposed to the meat sellers for selling unstamped, unhygienic and substandard meat.
All said and done, targeted inspections by the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) teams constituted during festivals and other important occasions have often uncovered wrongful practices by the vendors through which unwholesome food is being sold to the public.
To ensure the availability of healthy and hygienic items round the year, it is advisable for JMC teams to conduct inspections regularly and provide their inspection schedules to shopkeepers. Dramatizing such inspections is of no use because sudden and surprise inspections were effective for a limited period of time but what should be the aim of the civic body is to ensure that all the shopkeepers should provide good quality consumable items all the time without any exception as there is no logic in ensuring good quality food only on festivals and giving a long rope to unscrupulous traders to do whatever they want during the normal days. This proactive approach will encourage vendors to dispose of putrid products, ensuring that only fresh and safe items are available to the public. Such measures not only protect consumers from health risks but also promote a culture of cleanliness and hygiene in the marketplaces.
Choice now lies with the Jammu Municipal Corporation and the people of Jammu because if the people will mount pressure, the JMC couldn't continue with doing jobs halfheartedly giving undue benefit to the erring traders to deceive common man and gain undue profits.
