300 kg bananas destroyed at Mapusa
FOOD SAFETY DRIVE: Nearly 300 kg of bananas suspected to have been artificially ripened using non-permitted chemicals were destroyed by officials of the FDA during an inspection drive.
MAPUSA
Eight food business establishments were asked to suspend operations over licence irregularities and unhygienic conditions, around 300 kg of bananas worth Rs 21,000 were destroyed at the Mapusa sub-yard over suspected artificial ripening, and a hawker was fined Rs 2,000 for operating without registration during a surveillance drive by the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) in Bardez.
The enforcement drive covered Mapusa, Anjuna, Assagao, Arpora and Calangute, where officials inspected 20 food businesses including restaurants, food vending establishments, sweet marts and street food vendors.
During the inspections, authorities found several violations related to licence renewals and hygiene standards. Eight establishments were directed to immediately suspend operations until they comply with mandatory licensing requirements and rectify the unhygienic conditions observed during the inspections.
Officials said the action was taken to ensure that food business operators follow the prescribed safety and sanitation norms.
In a separate action at the Mapusa sub-yard, the FDA team destroyed nearly 300 kg of bananas suspected to have been artificially ripened using non-permitted chemicals. The bananas, valued at about Rs 21,000, were identified following a tip-off from a source in the market yard.
Food safety officials collected samples and sent them for laboratory testing. Authorities said legal action would be initiated against the wholesaler concerned if the analysis confirms the use of prohibited chemicals.
The drive was led by Designated Officer Richard Noronha under the guidance of FDA Director Shweta Dessai. Officials said similar drives will continue across the State.
