12/12/2025
The Silent Threat: Counterfeit Food and Medicines in Kashmir.
Kashmir’s markets are full of products that look genuine but are anything but. Packets, labels, and seals are copied so perfectly that the average buyer cannot tell the difference. Due to weak monitoring, lack of strict action, and loopholes in the supply chain, fake items reach shops easily.
Medicines – Fake antibiotics, painkillers, and even vitamins are being sold. They may contain the wrong dose, expired ingredients, or no active ingredient at all. This is not just cheating — it is dangerous.
Food Items – Cooking oil, milk, spices, and packaged snacks are often adulterated or fake versions of trusted brands. People are eating chemicals without knowing it.
The Health Risks
Fake food and medicines are not just a financial loss — they are a threat to life. Counterfeit medicines may not treat infections, which can lead to complications, prolonged illness, or even drug resistance. Fake food items can cause stomach problems, allergies, and long-term health issues.
People trust the shops where they buy essentials. When even those shops are selling unsafe items, the entire community’s well-being is put at risk.
Why This Happens
The situation exists because of a combination of factors:
Weak regulation – Limited inspection and rare surprise checks.
High profit for sellers – Fake products are cheap to make but sold at high prices.
Public unawareness – Most buyers don’t know how to identify a fake product.
Corruption & lack of accountability – Enforcement often fails at the ground level.
A Call for Accountability
Kashmir’s people deserve safe food and reliable medicines. This is not a luxury — it is a basic right. Authorities, health departments, traders, and even consumers must come together to fight this silent epidemic of counterfeit goods.
Until strong action is taken, the fear and uncertainty will continue. But with awareness, vigilance, and pressure on authorities, Kashmir can move toward a safer, more trustworthy market where every citizen feels protected.
