Concerns Rise Over Unlicensed Ice Cream Factory in Jorhat
Health Risks from Unregulated Ice Cream Production
Jorhat, July 6: A troubling situation has emerged in Jorhat regarding an unlicensed ice cream and ice manufacturing facility, raising serious health concerns due to its unsanitary production practices and questionable ingredients, particularly affecting children.
Situated in Letekujan, Titabor, this factory has allegedly been operating for an extended period without any official permits or licenses from relevant authorities.
According to local reports, the facility has been creating a variety of colorful ice creams and ice blocks using contaminated water and artificial additives, which could endanger public health.
Residents have expressed alarm, noting that the factory distributes its products to nearby tea gardens and rural communities, where children are the main consumers.
“The conditions in which these ice creams are produced are shocking. There are insects everywhere, the water is filthy, and expired ingredients are used. These products are a threat to our children’s health,” remarked a worried local.
Villagers have observed an increase in illnesses among children, including fevers and stomach infections, linked to ice creams sold by mobile vendors who obtain their supplies from such unregulated sources.
“Ice cream vendors with cold storage boxes are common in summer. The ice creams they sell are made in unsanitary conditions without any government oversight. The food inspector has never checked these places. The colors used are harmful, and we’ve seen insects in the production areas,” stated a representative from the Yuva Satra Parishad.
This group has issued a warning, stating they will take action if the authorities do not respond promptly.
“If no action is taken, we will protest. We demand that health officials and food safety inspectors conduct thorough inspections and shut down these illegal operations,” the representative added.
Reports suggest that the ice creams and ice blocks produced at the Titabor facility contain artificial food colors, some of which are not approved for consumption. Local health officials are concerned that these chemicals could be toxic and pose long-term health risks, especially to children.
In light of these issues, residents are calling on the district administration to take immediate measures to inspect ice manufacturing facilities and ensure that only licensed and safe products are available in the market.
The district administration has yet to release an official statement regarding this situation.