120 kgs of treated mangoes destroyed by civic body
THE GOAN NETWORK
MAPUSA
In a continuing crackdown on the illegal sale of chemically treated food products, the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) on Wednesday seized 120 kilos of artificially ripened mangoes in Mapusa, taking swift action to curb harmful food practices in the region.
The seized mangoes were handed over to the Mapusa Municipal Council for safe disposal.
FDA officials confirmed that the fruit had been treated using unauthorised ripening agents, which pose significant health risks to consumers.
This follows a larger raid conducted just two days earlier, during which FDA officers stormed the sub-yard of the Mapusa wholesale market.
That operation resulted in the seizure of 180 boxes of mangoes and 450 kilograms of bananas, with an estimated value of Rs 8 lakh.
The fruit was suspected to be ripened using chemicals such as calcium carbide, which is banned under the Food Safety and Standards Act.
The FDA team, led by North Goa Designated Officer Richard Noronha and Senior Food Safety Officer Rajaram Patil, has stepped up vigilance amid growing concerns over food safety and consumer health.
Officials reported discovering bags of suspicious chemicals in two shops during the market raid, further confirming malpractice.
“We have seized 180 crates of mangoes and kept them under observation. Samples have been sent for testing, and further action will be taken based on the report,” said Patil.
The crackdown is not limited to fruit vendors.
Just last week, FDA teams took action against multiple eateries near Alankar Theatre in Mapusa for flouting hygiene and safety protocols.
Several of these establishments were temporarily shut down for failing to meet basic food preparation standards.
FDA officials have issued a stern warning to all food vendors, restaurants, and fruit sellers across North Goa.
“We are committed to ensuring safe food for consumers. All establishments must obtain proper permissions and strictly adhere to food safety protocols, or face strict punitive action,” the FDA said in a statement.
Consumers are also urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious or unhygienic practices to the FDA to help maintain public health standards in the State.
