News & Announcement
Vendor Data Collection and Hygiene Inspection Conducted at Fish Outlets Across Pakyong District
Pakyong, June 24 (IPR):
The Fisheries Department of Pakyong District conducted a three days comprehensive vendor data collection and hygiene inspection drive at multiple fish outlets across the district. The initiative, which covered key market areas and commercial zones, was undertaken to assess hygiene practices, ensure food safety, and streamline vendor registration under official norms.
The inspection team from the Fisheries Department visited fish outlets located along the commercial belt stretching from Pakyong Bazar to Sun Pharma in Rorathang, as well as outlets in Kumrek, Rangpo, Rhenock, and Rongli Bazar. The purpose of the visit was to verify the quality of fish being sold, check compliance with hygiene and safety standards, and collect detailed data of vendors for the department’s official records.
As part of the inspection, officials employed Organoleptic testing methods to assess the freshness, appearance, odor, texture, and overall quality of the fish available at these outlets. Organoleptic evaluation is a commonly used method in fisheries to quickly determine fish quality through sensory inspection. The majority of the fish outlets complied with the basic hygiene and safety parameters, and the quality of fish met the department’s required standards.
Following the inspection and verification process, the Fisheries Department issued on-the-spot Fish Shop No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to vendors who met the prescribed norms. The NOCs serve as official recognition that the vendors are in compliance with fisheries-related safety and quality regulations.
In addition to issuing NOCs, fisheries officials conducted awareness sessions with shopkeepers and vendors at each site. They sensitized vendors on the importance of maintaining proper hygiene, safe handling of fish products, waste disposal practices, and the impact of unhygienic practices on public health. The vendors were also advised to store fish under appropriate temperature conditions, use clean tools and surfaces, and avoid cross-contamination.
Vendors were further informed about the procedures and timelines related to the renewal of fish shop NOCs. Officials stressed that maintaining a valid NOC and complying with hygiene guidelines is essential not only for legal operation but also to build customer trust and promote safe food consumption.
The initiative aimed to build a reliable database of all fish vendors operating in the district, streamline the licensing process, and improve monitoring of fish trade practices. It also served to reinforce the Fisheries Department’s commitment to promoting hygienic practices in the fish supply chain and ensuring the well-being of consumers.
This inspection drive is part of a district-level effort to enhance food safety under the guidelines of the Department of Fisheries, Government of Sikkim. Similar inspection and sensitization drives are expected to continue across other market areas within the district in the coming months.
The Fisheries Department of Pakyong District conducted a three days comprehensive vendor data collection and hygiene inspection drive at multiple fish outlets across the district. The initiative, which covered key market areas and commercial zones, was undertaken to assess hygiene practices, ensure food safety, and streamline vendor registration under official norms.
The inspection team from the Fisheries Department visited fish outlets located along the commercial belt stretching from Pakyong Bazar to Sun Pharma in Rorathang, as well as outlets in Kumrek, Rangpo, Rhenock, and Rongli Bazar. The purpose of the visit was to verify the quality of fish being sold, check compliance with hygiene and safety standards, and collect detailed data of vendors for the department’s official records.
As part of the inspection, officials employed Organoleptic testing methods to assess the freshness, appearance, odor, texture, and overall quality of the fish available at these outlets. Organoleptic evaluation is a commonly used method in fisheries to quickly determine fish quality through sensory inspection. The majority of the fish outlets complied with the basic hygiene and safety parameters, and the quality of fish met the department’s required standards.
Following the inspection and verification process, the Fisheries Department issued on-the-spot Fish Shop No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to vendors who met the prescribed norms. The NOCs serve as official recognition that the vendors are in compliance with fisheries-related safety and quality regulations.
In addition to issuing NOCs, fisheries officials conducted awareness sessions with shopkeepers and vendors at each site. They sensitized vendors on the importance of maintaining proper hygiene, safe handling of fish products, waste disposal practices, and the impact of unhygienic practices on public health. The vendors were also advised to store fish under appropriate temperature conditions, use clean tools and surfaces, and avoid cross-contamination.
Vendors were further informed about the procedures and timelines related to the renewal of fish shop NOCs. Officials stressed that maintaining a valid NOC and complying with hygiene guidelines is essential not only for legal operation but also to build customer trust and promote safe food consumption.
The initiative aimed to build a reliable database of all fish vendors operating in the district, streamline the licensing process, and improve monitoring of fish trade practices. It also served to reinforce the Fisheries Department’s commitment to promoting hygienic practices in the fish supply chain and ensuring the well-being of consumers.
This inspection drive is part of a district-level effort to enhance food safety under the guidelines of the Department of Fisheries, Government of Sikkim. Similar inspection and sensitization drives are expected to continue across other market areas within the district in the coming months.
