Srinagar: In a startling move, the Jammu and Kashmir Food Safety Department has banned the sale and distribution of Priya Gold and Butter Delite biscuits in Srinagar, citing serious health risks.
The decision, announced on Tuesday, follows laboratory tests that revealed the presence of harmful substances in these popular biscuit brands, sparking alarm among consumers in the Valley.
The Food Safety Department, acting on public complaints, conducted rigorous inspections and found that certain batches of Priya Gold’s classic biscuits and Butter Delite’s creamy variants contained excessive artificial additives and questionable preservatives, violating food safety norms.
Authorities have ordered an immediate halt to their production and sale, with shops directed to clear stocks. Violators face hefty fines and legal action.
Priya Gold, a household name across India, and Butter Delite, known for their rich flavours, have enjoyed a loyal customer base in Kashmir. The ban has left retailers scrambling and consumers wary, with many questioning the safety of packaged foods. “We trusted these brands for years,” said Srinagar resident Ayesha Mir, reflecting public sentiment.
The department has urged citizens to report suspicious food products and promised stricter monitoring of packaged goods. Meanwhile, the department has given the manufacturers a week to respond to the allegations.
As Srinagar grapples with this food safety scare, the ban serves as a wake-up call for stricter quality checks in India’s FMCG sector.