বাংলায় পড়ুন
In the bustling streets of Kolkata, a disturbing trend has emerged within the paneer market, raising serious health concerns among consumers. The city, known for its rich culinary heritage, has been shaken by the revelation of unsanitary conditions prevailing in the sale of paneer, a popular dairy product widely used in Indian cuisine.
Often hailed as a staple in vegetarian diets, paneer has found its way into various savoury dishes, adding flavour and texture to countless recipes. However, amidst the array of branded paneer available in the market, a darker side of the trade has come to light: the prevalence of substandard, unhygienic paneer.
One glance at the scene near Sealdah station is enough to alarm any passerby. On one side, makeshift stalls teeming with dubious-looking paneers are juxtaposed with unclean public latrines, creating an environment ripe for contamination. Yet, it is amidst this unsanitary setting that the paneer market thrives.
Every day, vendors set up shop along the southern perimeter of Sealdah station, kicking off the bustling paneer market in the late afternoon. Amidst the stench of filth and the incessant buzzing of flies, paneer blocks lay exposed, attracting not only curious customers but also unwelcome pests.
The sight is enough to turn anyone's stomach, prompting questions about the negligence of authorities in addressing such blatant health hazards. Despite the daily influx of customers seeking to purchase paneer at wholesale rates, little action has been taken by municipal or railway authorities to remedy the situation.
Professor Prashant Kumar Biswas, a food specialist at Jadavpur University, warns that the regular sale of food items exposed to unsanitary conditions significantly increases the risk of contamination. Moreover, the presence of flies perched on paneer blocks adds another layer of concern, as they can potentially transmit harmful pathogens.
Furthermore, Biswas highlights the potential health risks associated with consuming paneer contaminated by flies, citing gastrointestinal issues and the spread of complex diseases as possible consequences.
In response to mounting public outcry, Eastern Railways temporarily shut down the unsanitary paneer market, acknowledging the need for immediate action. However, the market has since resumed operations, prompting assurances of renewed efforts to address the issue.
As consumers continue to flock to the paneer market in search of bargains, the need for stringent regulatory measures and proactive intervention by authorities cannot be overstated. Failure to address these concerns not only jeopardises public health but also undermines the city's reputation as a culinary hub.
