FDA Cracks Down on Artificial Fruit Ripening and Unhygienic Practices Across Goa
Massive Inspections Held in Salcete, Margao Following North Goa Drive
Salcete/Margao, April 15: Following the special drive conducted recently in North Goa, a similar rigorous inspection was carried out early this morning in Salcete by the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) team. With the mango season in full swing, officials visited the Wholesale Gandhi Market in Margao, where mangoes from Siolim, Kundai, Madkai, and Karnataka are distributed to local vendors.
FDA officials collected multiple fruit samples, including different mango varieties and other fruits, to test for traces of artificial ripening agents. These have been sent to the lab for thorough analysis. Two godowns at Gandhi Market and additional ones at Talkonde, Navelim, and Sonsoddo were inspected.
The team also carried out surprise checks at banana ripening chambers located in Margao, Talkonde, and Sao Jose De Areal. Encouragingly, no suspicious chemicals were found during these inspections. A total of 25 fruit samples were collected for lab testing.
Meanwhile, a separate high-intensity inspection was carried out late Monday evening in Siolim and the Mapusa Sub Yard. This operation, led by FDA Director Shweta Desai, involved officers Richard Noronha, Rajaram Patil, Lenin De Sa, Amit Mandrekar, and Safia Khan. The team inspected 15 wholesale units and collected 28 samples of mangoes and bananas.
During this operation, suspicious substances were found at two units in Mapusa, leading to the immediate seizure of 180 crates of mangoes and approximately 450 kg of bananas. All seized fruits have been sent for chemical residue analysis to ensure they meet food safety standards.
In an unrelated but equally serious action, the FDA team also shut down the popular Walke Hotel in Mapusa. The hotel was found operating in extremely unhygienic conditions, violating food safety norms. The closure was enforced in the interest of public health.
These swift and decisive actions underscore the FDA’s zero-tolerance policy toward food adulteration and unsafe practices. The ongoing state-wide inspections highlight the commitment of authorities to uphold food safety, especially during the sensitive mango season.
