Food safety drive targets Simaluguri markets

The Food Safety Department of Sivasagar, in collaboration with the Simaluguri Municipal Board, conducted a special inspection drive across fruit, vegetable and grocery markets in Simaluguri on Thursday.

The team inspected both retail and wholesale establishments to check food quality and compliance with food safety standards.

During the drive, tomato samples were collected and sent to the State Public Health Laboratory (SPHL) for quality analysis. Officials also collected samples of various spices from the Simaluguri Kendriya Daily Bazaar to test for the presence of artificial colours.

As part of the awareness campaign, vendors and consumers were distributed leaflets explaining the health risks associated with excessive pesticide use and the artificial ripening of fruits and vegetables.

The inspection team also visited several grocery stores, where expired food products were detected. Shop owners were instructed to dispose of the expired items immediately, while additional food samples were collected for quality testing.

Officials said such inspection drives would continue to ensure food safety standards are maintained and to create greater awareness among traders and consumers about the importance of safe and hygienic food practices.