FDA Maintains Strict Vigil at Mapusa Sub Yard: One Ton of Contaminated Bananas Destroyed, Bakeries Shut for Unhygienic Conditions

FDA Maintains Strict Vigil at Mapusa Sub Yard: One Ton of Contaminated Bananas Destroyed, Bakeries Shut for Unhygienic Conditions

Mapusa, April 27, 2025:
In a significant operation to protect public health, officials from the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) maintained a strict vigil today at the bustling Mapusa Sub Yard. Acting on intelligence inputs, a surveillance team comprising Richard Noronha, Rajaram Patil, Amit Mandrekar, and Lenin De Sa operated incognito, closely monitoring activities within the market premises.

Their vigilance paid off when they allegedly caught Baswant B. Barmanawar, representing M/s Prasad Fruits, red-handed while dipping bananas into a chemical liquid identified as Ethapone. Ethapone is a chemical agent sometimes misused to artificially ripen fruits, posing serious health risks to consumers.

Upon discovery, the FDA team immediately took decisive action. Approximately one ton of the contaminated bananas was destroyed on the spot to prevent it from entering the consumer market. Further, a formal police complaint has been lodged against Baswant B. Barmanawar, initiating legal proceedings.

In another significant enforcement move, FDA officials also inspected food establishments in and around Mapusa. The kitchens of Bangalore Iyengar Bakeries located in Siolim and Mapusa were ordered to shut down due to severe unhygienic conditions. The inspections revealed several lapses in basic sanitation and food safety standards.

Additionally, two restaurants operating in Assagao were issued Improvement Notices after officials found violations concerning cleanliness and food handling practices.

The swift and bold actions of the FDA team have been widely appreciated by local citizens, reinforcing the importance of constant surveillance to ensure food safety. The department’s commitment to safeguarding public health through such proactive measures sends a strong warning to those attempting to compromise food standards.

newsbabaonline.com