Untested food chokes state

Guwahati: Even though it is mandatory to test samples of edible oil and gram that enter the state from outside, reports of food poisoning following consumption of adulterated gram continue to plague Assam.

According to a government order, it is compulsory for the food safety department to take 'informal samples' of edible oil and gram that come from outside the state for standard testing.

If the samples are found unfit for consumption, the authorities have to take legal steps to initiate punitive measures against the manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers of the product.

On Sunday, 17 people, including children, were hospitalized after they consumed adulterated gram and moong beans as prasad at a temple in the Amiya Nagar locality of the city.

"We are following the order and taking necessary steps. We have taken action against the firm from where the gram and moong beans were bought. It has been closed. The administration has asked the designated officers of the food safety department to take action," said M Angamuthu, deputy commissioner, Kamrup (Metro) district.

A few hours after consuming the prasad, the devotees began to complain of nausea, abdominal pain, vomitting and diarrhoea. Locals said the affected devotees took medicine but the symptoms persisted even four days after the ceremony.

"We collected over 10 samples of the prasad, five water samples and five samples of gram and moong beans. We are conducting tests and awaiting the results," said Samiran Baruah, food safety officer, Kamrup (Metro) district.

In March, over 500 people, including women and children, fell sick after consuming adulterated prasad at a religious programme in Barpeta district. Three persons, including a 10-year-old girl, died.

"Analysis of the Barpeta samples revealed the presence of fungal growth in the gram and moong beans used. After investigation, we found that the items had been bought from multiple sources from the neighbouring districts," said Bhavesh Bhuyan, designated officer, Barpeta district.

The ceremony was held at Nasattra village in the district. Following the incident, the shops from where the gram, moong beans and other items had been purchased were raided and the remaining supplies seized by the district administration.