SHILLONG: The Commissionerate of Food and Safety Department of Meghalaya has conducted extensive testing on vegetables imported from Assam into the state and confirmed that no traces of chemical adulteration or artificial colouring have been detected so far.
The rigorous inspection drive was initiated to ensure public health and safety amidst growing concerns.
The Joint Commissioner (also officiating as Deputy Commissioner) of Food Safety (Enforcement) for Meghalaya, D. Bahun Shisha Mukhim, informed that departmental officers have been actively on the ground conducting spot tests on vegetables arriving from Assam.
She stated that hundreds of samples have been collected and tested across various major markets in all districts of the state, including Iewduh in Shillong and the main market in Nongstoin. According to the official laboratory and spot-test reports received so far, all tested samples have returned clean, showing absolutely no evidence of chemical contamination.
Mukhim clarified that the department inspected a wide variety of vegetables available in the markets, including pointed gourd (patol), brinjals, tomatoes, and other green vegetables, concluding that they are completely safe for human consumption.
She further emphasized that these inspection drives are not temporary reactions to recent rumors, but part of a routine, ongoing safety protocol executed by the department from time to time to monitor the quality of food products sold to the public.
Assuring the citizens, the Food Safety official stated that there is no cause for panic and urged the public not to fall prey to unsubstantiated allegations circulating on social media news platforms. She noted that the Government of Assam has also taken prompt and serious action regarding the matter, minimizing any potential risks.
Nevertheless, the Meghalaya Government is refusing to take the matter lightly and continues to aggressively collect samples from various entry points and markets to send them for advanced laboratory analysis.
Explaining how consumers can differentiate between naturally fresh and artificially colored vegetables, Kong Mukhim mentioned that certain visual cues, as often demonstrated on social media, can be helpful—particularly when a vegetable appears fresh despite being withered or dry underneath. She advised citizens to remain vigilant and examine the condition of vegetables carefully before making a purchase.
She suggested a simple home test where consumers can soak suspected vegetables in water; if artificial colors or surface chemicals are present, the water will change colour.
However, regarding chemical preservation or growth enhancements via injections, she admitted that it is impossible for regular consumers to detect them through visual inspection alone. Since field spot-tests have limitations in detecting deep chemical injections, the department regularly sends suspicious samples to specialized laboratories for definitive testing.
This intensive food safety enforcement drive was triggered after a news channel based in Assam broadcast a report alleging that artificially colored pointed gourd (patol) from the Barpeta wholesale vegetable market was being transported and supplied to the capital city of Shillong.
