Shillong, Feb 3: The Meghalaya Commissionerate of Food Safety has said that fish being sold in the state are safe to eat, following concerns about possible contamination. Laboratory tests have found no traces of heavy metals or formalin in the samples tested.
Deputy Commissioner of Food Safety D.B.S. Mukhim stated that about 45 fish samples were collected from different districts and sent to accredited laboratories in Kolkata for testing. The test reports showed that all samples met the standards set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and did not contain heavy metals beyond permitted levels.
She said the samples were collected as per FSSAI guidelines and from various parts of the state to ensure proper monitoring. Apart from sending samples outside the state, the department also conducts regular checks through its “Food Safety on Wheels” programme. Under this initiative, officials visit markets, collect samples and carry out initial tests to check for adulteration.
Mukhim added that routine inspections have so far not found any formalin in fish sold in Meghalaya. She said the department is also in touch with food safety authorities in neighbouring states as a precaution.
In another development, egg samples collected from all districts were tested and found to be within the prescribed safety limits.
The Deputy Commissioner advised consumers to maintain basic hygiene, such as washing fish properly before cooking, and assured that regular testing is being carried out to ensure food safety in the state.
