SHILLONG, June 5: Food safety officials in Meghalaya have seized a consignment of pointed gourd here on Friday after preliminary tests indicated the possible presence of artificial colouring agents during a random inspection in a local market, an officer said.
Deputy Commissioner of Food Safety, D.B.S. Mukhim, said samples have been collected and sent for laboratory analysis.
Random tests were conducted after a whistleblower in Assam highlighted the contamination of pointed gourds using artificial colours earlier this week.
The inspection was carried out as part of routine surveillance by food safety officials to check the quality and safety of vegetables and other food products being sold in markets.
Officials suspect the vegetables may have been treated with artificial dyes to enhance their appearance and added that laboratory testing will confirm the same.
She said appropriate action under the Food Safety and Standards Act would be initiated if the samples are found to be adulterated or in violation of prescribed food safety standards. (PTI)
