SHILLONG : The A·chik State Peoples’ Front (ASPF) has urged the Meghalaya government to immediately strengthen inspection and testing of vegetables, fruits, poultry and livestock entering the Garo Hills region from Assam, citing growing concerns over food safety and public health.
In a memorandum submitted to Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Saturday , ASPF General Secretary Adv. Bernita Marak called for urgent intervention following reports of artificial chemicals allegedly being detected in vegetables and fruits in parts of Assam, including Barpeta and Guwahati.
The organisation said the issue is particularly significant for the Garo Hills region, which relies heavily on Assam for the supply of vegetables, fruits and livestock, including broiler chickens, cattle and pigs.
According to the memorandum, ASPF is seeking immediate measures to ensure that food products entering Meghalaya are safe for consumption and do not pose a threat to public health.
The representation comes a day after Meghalaya food safety officials seized a consignment of pointed gourd, locally known as patol, in Shillong following preliminary indications of possible artificial colouring during a market inspection. Samples have been sent for laboratory analysis and authorities are awaiting the test results before initiating further action. Referring to the situation, Marak said the government should prioritise public health and implement stricter monitoring mechanisms for goods entering Garo Hills from neighbouring Assam.
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Among the measures proposed by the organisation is the deployment of food safety officials at major entry points connecting Assam and Garo Hills to conduct regular inspections of incoming produce and food items. The ASPF has also recommended routine inspections by Food Safety officials at both weekly and daily markets across the region to identify potentially adulterated products before they reach consumers.
In addition, the organisation has called for the establishment of food testing laboratories in every district of Garo Hills to facilitate timely examination of food products and strengthen local monitoring capabilities. The memorandum further proposes the deployment of Food Safety personnel at key entry points, including NH-217 at Berubari (Bajengdoba), Dainadubi and other important routes connecting Assam and Meghalaya.
Concerned about the movement of livestock into the state, ASPF has also sought the deployment of Veterinary Department officials at strategic checkpoints to verify documentation and prevent the entry of animal husbandry products without proper certification.
The organisation said these measures are necessary to protect consumers and maintain confidence in food products being sold across the Garo Hills region. ASPF also reminded the state government that it had previously submitted two memoranda on similar concerns earlier this year and claimed that no corresponding action had been taken so far.
The ASPF exressed hope that the government would respond promptly to the latest appeal and take steps to strengthen food safety surveillance in the region.