Residents in Hyderabad have raised concerns about declining quality of chicken and meat at local shops during the holy month of Ramzan. The issue has come to light as demand for meat products has surged significantly, primarily due to the preparation of traditional haleems across the city. Consumers report that some meat shops are allegedly selling leftover, substandard, and potentially unhealthy meat products to meet the increased demand.
The month of Ramzan witnesses a massive spike in meat consumption in Hyderabad, particularly for the preparation of haleem, a popular delicacy during this period. Restaurants and food stalls across the city require large quantities of meat daily, creating unprecedented demand at wholesale and retail levels. This surge has reportedly led to some vendors compromising on quality standards to maximize profits and meet market requirements.
Local consumers have complained about receiving meat that appears to be from sick or unhealthy stock, along with leftover stock being sold at regular prices. Several residents have reported instances of foul-smelling meat and products that spoil quickly, raising serious health and hygiene concerns. The situation has prompted calls for immediate intervention by health authorities to ensure food safety standards are maintained.
Health experts warn that consumption of contaminated or poor-quality meat can lead to serious health issues, including food poisoning, bacterial infections, and other diseases. During Ramzan, when people break their fast after long hours, consuming unsafe meat products poses additional health risks. The lack of proper inspection and monitoring at meat shops has allowed these practices to continue unchecked.
Citizens and consumer rights activists are demanding that the Telangana government conduct immediate raids and inspections at all local meat shops across Hyderabad. They emphasize the need for stringent quality checks to ensure that only fresh and healthy meat reaches consumers. Activists have also called for the establishment of a regular monitoring system to prevent such quality compromises, especially during peak demand periods.
The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) and the Food Safety Department are responsible for monitoring meat quality and hygiene standards at retail outlets. Regular inspections at meat shops, slaughterhouses, and cold storage facilities are mandated to ensure compliance with food safety regulations. However, enforcement during high-demand periods like Ramzan requires intensified vigilance to protect public health and maintain quality standards in the meat supply chain.
