GUWAHATI: It's that time of the year when our kitchen becomes a hub of traditions, and the comforting fragrance of pithas fills our homes. Recollections of our grandmothers and mothers deftly mixing rice flour with grated coconut and sweet jaggery or sugar transport us to a simpler era—a time when these delectable treats were crafted with love, care, and the warmth of shared moments.
Every kitchen in Assam is filled with laughter, generations huddled together, hands skillfully working the ingredients into a magical concoction. The result—a thick oval of goodness, neatly wrapped in muslin, finds its place atop a kettle filled with boiling water. As the lid is secured, the anticipation builds. Within a few minutes, the kitchen is adorned with the tantalizing aroma of piping hot tekeli pitha.
As we traverse the culinary landscape of today's Guwahati, we find a transformation in this age-old tradition. What was once a cherished kitchen ritual has evolved into a commercial enterprise. The sweet symphony of familial bonding, once confined to home kitchens, has extended its melody to the markets, and the scent of nostalgia now mingles with the brisk air of business.
Now, these cherished pithas find themselves encased in plastic packets, neatly stacked on shop shelves.
The question remains: Does this evolution compromise the hygiene and safety of our beloved festive treats?
When GPlus conducted a survey in various shops in Guwahati, it became evident that not all establishments vending these packaged pithas bear the label of FSSAI—a crucial indicator of adherence to hygiene and safety regulations.
Talking to GPlus, a senior official from the Food Safety Department stated, "This has turned into a self-reliant business now. Numerous self-help groups are involved in making and selling these pithas, even though concerns about hygiene and food safety persist."
He further said, "We have issued notices to these businesses, urging them to prioritize hygiene and food safety. However, compliance remains a challenge for some."
To legally sell pithas and other traditional Bihu goodies, businesses are required to register with the FSSAI and obtain the necessary licenses.
"Multiple inspections have taken place in areas such as Paltan Bazaar, Fancy Bazaar, Narengi, Basistha Chariali, and Lokhora, conducted by our food safety officers", the food safety official stated.
"Because many businesses aren't registering, FSSAI's approved partners are providing training on Advance FosTAG and hygiene," the food safety official told GPlus.
The significance of these training sessions lies not only in addressing immediate concerns but in fostering a culture of awareness and responsibility. The Advance FosTAG training focuses on educating businesses about the intricacies of FSSAI compliance, emphasizing the importance of registration and adherence to hygiene standards.
These initiatives aim to educate food vendors on the importance of complying with safety standards and the significance of FSSAI registration.
The journey from handcrafted pithas to plastic-packaged variants beckons a critical examination of food safety practices and a collective effort to uphold the spirit of this cherished celebration.