Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 26: Dr Pardeep Mahotra, media incharge of BJP Jammu & Kashmir today expressed grave concern over reports suggesting that auramine-adulterated chickpeas (chana) may have begun entering markets in the Jammu region.
In a statement issued, Mahotra called the situation a potential public health emergency and urged authorities to initiate an urgent and comprehensive verification of market supplies.
Highlighting the dangers of auramine, he said unscrupulous traders in some northern states have been found coating low-quality chickpeas to give them an unnaturally bright yellow appearance and crunchy texture.
“Adulteration is not just cheating; it is slow poisoning of society. No economic gain can justify risking innocent lives,” he said, advising citizens to remain alert and perform simple home checks to detect possible contamination.
Dr Mahotra pointed out that Jammu & Kashmir has already seen several cases involving expired or adulterated food items in recent months.
Enforcement teams and police have recovered expired cheese consignments, adulterated sweets, spurious milk products and unsafe bakery goods during raids across Jammu, Samba and Kathua.
He appealed to the public to immediately report any suspicious food items or deviations in smell, color, or texture to the police, Food Safety Department, or FCS&CA.
Mahotra further urged the government to step up market surveillance, intensify sampling drives and take strict action against violators.
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