Staff reporter
Guwahati: Rampant violations of food safety regulations by meat vendors in Guwahati have raised serious concerns over public health and hygiene. Despite strict guidelines set by the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC), nearly 80% of vendors continue to operate without adhering to mandatory health inspections and slaughterhouse protocols.
According to officials from the Assam Livestock and Poultry Corporation (ALPC), many butchers lack proper training in scientific meat-cutting methods, which could pose health risks to consumers. “Improper meat-cutting techniques often result in the sale of muscle tissue instead of properly processed meat, which can affect both quality and safety,” an ALPC official stated.
The issue has worsened following the closure of two out of three slaughterhouses in the city, leaving only one operational facility with a capacity to process approx 1,400 goats per day under strict hygiene and disease-screening protocols. However, only about 10% of the city’s meat supply is sourced through this regulated system, while the majority comes from unregulated slaughtering practices.
Guwahati’s demand for meat remains substantial, with approximately 33,000 poultry birds required daily to meet consumption needs. Alarmingly, only 1,000 of these are legally slaughtered under regulated conditions. Similarly, while 300 pigs are processed daily at designated facilities, a significant portion of pork available in the market comes from unauthorised sources.
Health experts warn that meat from unauthorised slaughterhouses is often processed using untreated water and unclean equipment, increasing the risk of bacterial contamination. Consumers face heightened exposure to diseases such as E. coli and Salmonella, which can lead to food poisoning and severe gastrointestinal illnesses.
Authorities have urged meat vendors to comply with GMC regulations and adopt safe meat-handling practices to mitigate health risks. However, with limited enforcement and low public awareness, the sale of unregulated meat remains a growing concern in the city.
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