Guwahati’s food markets are busier than ever. Every day, trucks loaded with vegetables, milk, fish, eggs and packaged food arrive in the city from different parts of India. While this supply chain keeps the city running, it has also increased concerns about food quality and safety.
The issue of food safety has gained attention across India after government data showed that nearly one in six food samples tested between 2022 and 2025 failed to meet safety standards.
According to a PIB release issued in March 2026 by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, over the three-year period from 2022–23 to 2024–25, out of a total of 5,18,559 samples tested, 88,192 cases were decided with penalties, 3,614 cases resulted in convictions, and 1,161 licences of Food Business Operators (FBOs) were cancelled.
The violations ranged from poor hygiene and contamination to adulteration involving chemicals and artificial colouring agents.
Food safety authorities across the country have repeatedly warned against the use of artificial ripening agents, synthetic colours, preservatives and unsafe storage practices, particularly in products transported over long distances.
Experts believe lengthy supply chains often increase the risk of spoilage, contamination and adulteration before products finally reach consumers.
The concern becomes even more significant for Assam as the state remains heavily dependent on other states for essential food products.
Speaking at a public event in Dibrugarh in December 2025, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that nearly 90 per cent of daily-use products in the state are procured from outside Assam.
He also remarked that “Rs 80 out of every Rs 100 earned” in Assam goes to other states because of this dependence.
The dairy sector clearly reflects this situation. According to the Chief Minister, Assam requires around 25 lakh litres of milk every day, but the state currently produces only about 3 lakh litres. The massive deficit is met through supplies from states such as Bihar, Gujarat and Karnataka.
In Assam, the impact of these concerns is felt most sharply in Guwahati. As the state capital and the largest city in the Northeast, Guwahati functions as the principal distribution and consumption hub for food supplies entering the region.
Unlike many rural areas where households still depend partly on locally grown food, Guwahati’s urban population relies almost entirely on market-driven supplies. This makes the city more vulnerable to problems linked to long transportation chains, including spoilage, poor storage, chemical preservation and adulteration.
Any disruption or compromise in food quality therefore affects Guwahati more immediately and on a much larger scale.
Vegetables arriving in Guwahati have also faced scrutiny in recent years. Authorities have previously carried out inspections at entry points near Jalukbari after concerns were raised about excessive chemical use in vegetables sold in the city.
Food safety officials have repeatedly warned against the use of artificial ripening agents, synthetic colours and preservatives to increase shelf life during transportation.
This growing distrust is slowly impacting consumer preferences in Guwahati. Many residents are now choosing locally grown vegetables, homemade spice powders and farm-sourced products instead of heavily processed packaged food.
Demand for local dairy products and produce from organic markets has also increased in parts of the city.
Food safety experts believe the problem is linked not only to adulteration but also to Assam’s weak production capacity. Since Guwahati depends heavily on imported food supplies, consumers are left with little opportunity to consider how products are processed, stored or transported before their arrival in the market.
Experts recommend several measures to improve the situation. First, Assam needs to strengthen local food production, especially in dairy, fishery and vegetable farming. Increasing support for farmer cooperatives and self-help groups can reduce dependence on outside suppliers.
Second, food testing systems should be expanded to cover all types of food products, particularly food products imported from outside the state.
More regular inspections are needed in wholesale markets, warehouses and transport hubs entering Guwahati. Public disclosure of food testing results would also improve consumer confidence.
Third, citizens must be more vigilant when purchasing food products. Checking FSSAI certification, avoiding unusually bright-coloured spices or sweets, and buying from trusted local vendors can reduce risks.
Guwahati’s dependence on outside food supplies may be unavoidable for now because of rapid urban growth and rising demand.
However, the increasing concerns over adulteration and food quality show why Assam must focus on becoming more self-reliant in food production. Strengthening local agriculture and improving food safety monitoring will be essential to protect public health in the years ahead.
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