GUWAHATI: The Food Safety Department of the Kamrup M district on Tuesday, April 26, conducted a sudden drive at both retail and wholesale fruits and vegetable markets of Fancy Bazaar in Guwahati.
In the early morning inspection conducted at 5 AM, officials checked several establishments for carbide and other chemical injected fruits and vegetables.
Senior Food Safety Officer (FSO), Samiran Baruah informed G Plus that five regulatory samples were taken to be tested in a laboratory. "If anything unapproved is found in these samples, necessary action will be taken against the sellers."
Baruah informed that in the inspection, it was found that instead of Calcium Carbide, a Xianfeng Enthyene Ripener is now being used for the quick ripening of fruits.
He also said that the Department has been doing regular check-ups on fruits and vegetables in the market. There have been several complaints of fruits and vegetables being enlarged unnaturally, which poses threats of health hazards.
Also present in the inspection drive were Senior FSOs Shampak KR Pathak, Siddharth Mazumder, Designated FSO Anil Sharma and FSO Hemanjali Hazarika.