SHILLONG:
The Assistant Commissioner of Food Safety & Designated Officer East Khasi Hills District, D.B.S Mukhim, on August 29, has given meat shopkeepers 7 (seven) days time to comply with the instructions of the High Court of Meghalaya order on display of meat.
A letter has been circulated to all meat shopkeepers which stated that as per the High Court of Meghalaya Order, it was clearly indicated that hanging of carcass and the unhygienic display of meat and meat parts haphazardly in street side shops is not allowed.
The letter stated, “Further, in continuation of various Meetings, Inspections, Training which have been happening, you are hereby given 7 (seven) days time (from the date of receipt of the letter) to comply with the instructions. This is inclusive of Saturday and Sunday.”
The office stated that meat is considered to be a high risk food item, it attracts lots of harmful microorganisms and the unhygienic display aggravates the problem.
Samples of meat had been lifted for Laboratory analysis and as per report the meat sample was unsafe for consumption due to the presence of Yeast/Mould, E.coli, Pseudomonas sp, Salmonella, etc.
“In view of the above, you are hereby instructed not to hang the carcass openly in street side shops and meat should be kept hygienically in proper enclosures. This is as per Schedule 4 of the Food Safety & Standards Act, 2006 and Food Safety & Standards Rules & Regulations, 2011,” the letter mentioned.