Tura, Sept 11: Staff at the District Malaria Office in Tura were in for a shock after discovering live maggots inside four vegetable patties they had purchased the same day from a local bakery in the Urban Hub Building.
The contaminated food was promptly handed over to the Food Safety Department for inspection. However, officials allegedly reprimanded the complainants, accusing them of submitting stale food — a charge the staff refuted, insisting the patties had been bought fresh that morning.
Bakery owner Shirleen Sawkmie later admitted the lapse was due to human error, assuring that leftover food would now be properly disposed of daily. The bakery has since issued a formal apology, refunded the money, and promised corrective measures.
District Food Safety Officer S.S. Marak confirmed that the bakery was served a notice and a non-compliance order under the Food Safety and Standards Act. Failure to comply could invite fines or further action.
The incident has sparked public concern over food safety standards, especially with children and vulnerable groups at risk. A Malaria Office staff member questioned accountability, asking: “What if someone had fallen ill after consuming the patties?”
The case also highlights the challenges faced by West Garo Hills’ Food Safety Department, which is run by a single officer handling everything from inspections to FSSAI licensing and public awareness programs. With local markets flooded by food products from within and outside the state, residents are demanding stricter compliance from businesses and better resourcing of regulators to safeguard public health.
Also Read: Meghalaya Govt proposes ₹333 Cr for multiple projects in New Shillong and Tura
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