A milk processing unit in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district faces license suspension following a viral social media video that captured horrifying hygiene standards. Located in Bijbehara’s Semthan, the facility run by Bulk Milk Cooler (JKMPLC) was shut down temporarily on Friday after breaching multiple food safety protocols.
The trigger was a graphic clip showing a worker tasting milk with his tongue and returning the saliva-contaminated liquid to containers destined for consumers. This led to a thorough site inspection on April 29, uncovering systemic failures that posed serious public health risks.
Key violations included storing hazardous chemicals like diesel near milk storage areas, employing substandard plastic containers unfit for food contact, maintaining open water tanks without covers, and neglecting basic sanitation in the premises. Such practices directly contravene the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, particularly high-risk food handling guidelines.
The Designated Officer, exercising authority under Section 36, ordered immediate suspension of operations pending rectification. No food processing or storage activities are permitted until official clearance.
This case is part of a broader food safety drive in Kashmir, targeting dairies, drug outlets, and essential goods vendors with mandatory audits. Regulators aim to build consumer trust by eliminating adulteration and contamination threats in everyday essentials.
Public reaction has been one of disgust and calls for accountability, highlighting the need for technology like CCTV in food units and unannounced inspections. Dairy industry watchers note that while the valley produces high-quality milk, isolated rogue operators undermine collective efforts toward safety certification.
