By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, June 1: The Meghalaya Food Safety Department has initiated sample collection and testing following reports that chemically treated vegetables from Assam’s Barpeta Road wholesale market may have been transported into the state.
The move comes after reports emerged that some traders at the Barpeta Road wholesale vegetable market were allegedly using chemical dyes to make spoiled or rotten vegetables appear fresh before supplying them to consumers.
The allegations gained further attention after authorities in Assam conducted a late-night inspection on Sunday and seized 15 sacks of pointed gourds suspected to have been treated with toxic chemical colouring agents. The suspect, identified as wholesale merchant Haidar Ali, fled before the raid.
Assam authorities confirmed that all 15 sacks of toxic vegetables will be destroyed in coordination with the local Municipal Board to prevent them from reaching consumers.
Officials have also issued a stern warning to traders, stating that strict legal action will be taken against anyone found using hazardous chemicals.
Responding to concerns over the possible entry of such vegetables into Meghalaya, a Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) official from the state said the department has already deployed food inspectors to collect samples from the ground for laboratory analysis.
“Our food inspectors have been sent to collect samples. These will be lifted and sent for testing. Only after the laboratory examination is completed can we confirm whether chemically treated vegetables have entered the state or not,” the official said.
The officer added that the testing process is expected to take around two weeks. “For the results to be confirmed, the tests have to be carried out. It will definitely take around 14 days,” she said.
Meanwhile, consumers have been urged to remain cautious while purchasing vegetables. When asked whether any advisory would be issued for the public, the official said the department is preparing one.
“People can always check based on their own understanding. As of now, an advisory is being worked on and is likely to be issued by Tuesday,” she stated.
The department’s investigation is expected to determine whether the suspected chemically treated vegetables had made their way into Meghalaya’s markets. Authorities have assured that appropriate action will be taken based on the findings of the laboratory tests.
