Inspections will not be limited to routine checks, but inspectors will take food samples from various stalls and test them on-site using mobile vans
As the festive season approaches, particularly Durga Puja, the streets of Guwahati will soon be lined with an array of food stalls, eagerly awaiting crowds of visitors looking to enjoy all sorts of delicacies. These temporary food stalls, set up on the authority of puja committees across the city, serve two purposes: to cater to the public’s palate and generate income for local vendors. However, the hygiene standards of these stalls have frequently come under question, with health concerns often taking a backseat amidst the festivities.
ALSO READ: Guwahati Police On Alert To Provide Foolproof Security During Puja
In light of these issues, the food safety authority in Guwahati is stepping up its regulatory efforts this year. During this time, strict hygiene checks will be enforced on food stalls throughout the city. According to officials, food safety inspectors will conduct random inspections at various times of the day, leaving no room for vendors to escape scrutiny. These efforts aim to mitigate the risk of foodborne illnesses, which have plagued past festive seasons, particularly during Durga Puja.
This year, food stalls will face increased scrutiny, with random inspections carried out around the clock by teams from the food safety department. Officials have stressed that the inspections will not be limited to routine checks; instead, inspectors will take food samples from various stalls and test them on-site using mobile vans.
An official from the food safety department, speaking to G Plus, explained the process. “There will be random inspections all around. We will take the items for sampling and if any anomalies are found, we will take necessary action,” the official stated.
To further enhance the city-wide checks, a mobile van, known as "Safety on Wheels," will be deployed. The van will visit multiple locations across Guwahati, testing food samples and ensuring that stalls adhere to proper hygiene protocols. This initiative is designed to address concerns regarding the lack of hygiene at temporary food stalls, which have been linked to numerous cases of food poisoning in previous years.
In a bid to ensure that food stalls maintain adequate hygiene standards, the food safety department has issued a detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to all Durga Puja committees in Guwahati. This document outlines specific guidelines that must be followed by food vendors, from handling raw ingredients to the cleanliness of cooking utensils and serving areas. According to the SOP, vendors are expected to maintain strict hygiene, and failure to do so could result in fines or the closure of their stalls.
The guidelines also extend to the preparation of ‘prasad’, a holy offering distributed to devotees during the festivities. Given the large quantities prepared and the traditional methods used, the risk of contamination is high. The SOP outlines clear steps to avoid any hygiene-related issues in prasad preparation, including the proper handling of ingredients and ensuring the cleanliness of the distribution process.
The importance of food safety has been brought into sharp focus recently following controversies involving the contamination of prasad. A recent media report highlighted an incident in another part of the country where beef tallow was allegedly mixed with prasad, causing outrage among devotees. Although the specifics of the incident are still under investigation, it has raised widespread concerns about food preparation practices during religious festivals.
While Guwahati has not seen any such incidents, the food safety department is taking no chances. “We have learnt from these controversies, and we will ensure that the prasad distributed during Durga Puja is prepared in strict accordance with hygiene standards,” said the food safety official. “We cannot afford to compromise when it comes to the health and faith of the people.”
Food poisoning and other foodborne illnesses have been a common issue during past festive seasons in Guwahati, with vendors often neglecting basic hygiene practices under the pressure of high demand. During Durga Puja, the risk of contamination increases, as temporary stalls often lack proper facilities to store food at safe temperatures, maintain cleanliness, or properly dispose of waste.
The public has long expressed concerns about the quality of food served at such stalls, but enforcement of regulations has historically been lax. This year, however, the authorities are determined to change that. "Food safety is a serious concern during festivals," said a representative from a local health organisation. "The public should be aware of the safety standards of any food outlet they visit. The authority’s initiative to tighten checks is a positive step, but consumers must also remain vigilant."
To complement the increased inspections, the food safety department will also launch a consumer awareness campaign during the festive season. This initiative aims to educate the public about the risks of consuming unhygienic food and encourage them to report any food stalls they believe are violating safety standards.
“We are urging the public to be cautious when buying food from stalls,” the food safety official said. “If they notice anything that seems off—whether it’s dirty cooking equipment, food left out in the open, or vendors failing to follow hygiene practices—they should question it immediately. We will be monitoring reports from the public closely and will act accordingly.”
With Durga Puja just around the corner, the emphasis on food safety comes at a crucial time. The introduction of mobile testing vans, the issuance of SOPs to puja committees, and the launch of consumer awareness campaigns all reflect a comprehensive approach to tackling the challenges posed by temporary food stalls. The authorities hope that these measures will help prevent the common occurrences of food poisoning and other food-related health issues that have marred past celebrations.
Despite the authorities’ best efforts, the ultimate responsibility lies with the vendors and the public. Vendors must adhere to the guidelines laid out by the food safety department, while consumers must be cautious about where they buy their food. With cooperation from both sides, Guwahati can look forward to a safer and healthier festive season.
As the festive lights go up and the aroma of street food fills the air, both vendors and visitors will be under the watchful eye of food safety inspectors, ensuring that this year’s Durga Puja is remembered for all the right reasons.
