From flies to waste: Hygiene concerns linger in roadside fish & meat markets

Guwahati: Fish, meat and poultry are vital sources of protein and nutrients, but their highly perishable nature makes proper hygiene essential. Despite this, several roadside stalls across the city continue to operate under unhygienic conditions, raising concerns over food safety and public health.

Observations at several roadside markets revealed fish and meat displayed uncovered, flies swarming over the items, wastewater scattered on the ground, and piles of plastic waste dumped near selling points. Discarded items were found near areas where fish were being cut and cleaned, while vendors were often seen handling fish without gloves or face masks.

Roadside poultry stalls showed chickens kept in bamboo cages along public walkways, with feathers, droppings and muddy wastewater accumulating around the vending area. Many stalls operated under makeshift shelters lacking proper sanitation and waste-disposal facilities.

Consumers expressed widespread dissatisfaction with the hygiene standards. Surveys across Lokhra, Hengrabari, Beltola, Panjabari, Garchuk, Adabari, and Six Mile indicated most buyers rated cleanliness as “average,” “poor,” or “very poor.” Flies, foul odours, dirty surroundings, and inadequate waste disposal were cited as major concerns.

“Improper disposal of fish waste after cutting and dressing is a major issue. It creates unhygienic conditions and attracts flies and insects. The authorities must improve waste-management systems and expand market infrastructure where possible,” Binod Kalita, a regular buyer at Beltola Market, said.

Another consumer, Jagadish Rajbangshi, said, “Most markets in Guwahati are running under the same unhygienic conditions, so we are bound to buy.”

Buyer Santanu Saikia highlighted that hygiene standards matter more than taste. “If they are wearing gloves, but continue touching their hair, face, or other surfaces, then there is no point; it is just for namesake. Once you start touching the currency notes, the gloves have no meaning,” he said.

The Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) has constituted a mobile surveillance team to strengthen monitoring of food safety and public health standards. Veterinary Officer Dr Kailash Ch Chamuah said, “We have constituted a mobile surveillance team comprising a food safety officer, a veterinary officer, and three medical officers. The team will monitor public health concerns in markets, collect samples for testing, and recommend necessary precautionary measures based on laboratory analysis.” He also urged consumers to become more aware of food safety practices and emphasised the importance of proper processing and handling of meat before consumption.

Fish seller Robiul Ali of Ulubari market welcomed govt initiatives to improve market infrastructure. “Hygiene is very important and if the govt takes any initiatives for making some good infrastructure for maintaining hygiene, it is very welcoming. We are ready to support,” he said. He claimed that GMC officials mainly visits for vendor tax collection while verbally advising to maintain cleanliness.

“Maintaining cleanliness in roadside markets can be difficult due to limited space and inadequate waste-disposal facilities,” meat seller Tapan Halder of Beltola market said.

However, when asked whether they were aware of govt guidelines regarding hygiene and cleanliness standards, both vendors said they were unaware of any such guidelines.