Shillong: The Meghalaya Food Safety Department has launched a state-wide investigation to determine if vegetables treated with toxic chemicals have entered local markets. This action follows reports from Assam where traders at the Barpeta Road wholesale market allegedly used hazardous dyes to disguise spoiled produce as fresh.
Assam authorities seized 15 sacks of pointed gourds during a Sunday night inspection after the chemical treatment was discovered. The primary suspect, wholesale merchant Haidar Ali, escaped before the raid occurred. Officials in Assam confirmed that the contaminated vegetables are slated for destruction through the local Municipal Board to ensure public safety.
In response to these developments, Meghalaya food inspectors are now collecting produce samples from various markets for laboratory analysis. An official from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India stated that the testing process will take approximately 14 days to confirm the presence of any harmful substances.
While the investigation continues, authorities advised the public to exercise caution when buying vegetables. The department expects to issue a formal public advisory by Tuesday regarding the situation. Officials emphasized that strict legal measures will be enforced against any traders found to be using toxic agents in the food supply chain.
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