Concerns Raised Over Quality of Tea Production in Assam

Serious Allegations Against Pengeri Garh Tea Factory

DIBRUGARH, Nov 6: The All Assam Small Tea Growers’ Association has expressed grave concerns regarding the alleged acceptance and processing of inferior green tea leaves at the Pengeri Garh tea factory located in Tinsukia district. They have formally approached the Tea Board of India, demanding strict action against the factory for purportedly undermining tea quality and breaching food safety regulations.

In a memorandum directed to the Chief Executive Director of the Tea Board’s North Eastern Zonal Office in Guwahati, the association highlighted serious allegations of non-compliance with tea quality standards and food safety protocols by the factory. They are urging immediate intervention and stringent measures against the Pengeri Garh tea factory for its alleged illicit practices.

The memorandum, which bears the signature of the association’s general secretary Jagat Handique, claims that the factory has been producing tea of extremely poor quality, in blatant violation of Tea Board regulations and the Tea Marketing Control Order (TMCO), 2003. It further asserts that the tea produced is unfit for human consumption, posing a significant risk to public health and damaging the reputation of Assam’s esteemed tea industry.

The association is calling for an immediate cessation of the factory’s alleged illegal tea production activities. They have also urged the Tea Board to enhance its monitoring processes by thoroughly reviewing the monthly returns submitted by tea factories throughout Assam and verifying their tea waste licenses and stock records.

Stressing the importance of quality control and consumer safety, the association has demanded that the Tea Board enforce strict adherence to established quality and food safety standards across all tea manufacturing units.

The association has urged the Tea Board to take prompt and appropriate action regarding the concerns outlined in their memorandum. They have also cautioned that they will not accept responsibility for any adverse situations that may arise in the future if the activities that allegedly compromise the quality and reputation of Assam tea continue unchecked.