Team Goemkarponn
MAPUSA: In a significant operation aimed at safeguarding public health, the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has destroyed approximately two tons of bananas found to be treated with a banned ripening agent, Ethaphone, at the Mapusa market yard.
Health Minister Vishwajit Rane confirmed that the seizure followed continued surveillance at the yard, during which a previously collected sample of a suspicious ripening liquid tested positive for the harmful chemical.
Acting on the test results, an FDA team comprising officials Richard Noronha, Rajaram Patil, Amit Mandrekar, and Lenin De Sa carried out an inspection of the premises belonging to two individuals, identified as Vasir and Mr. Allaudin. The officials discovered large quantities of bananas that had been illegally ripened using Ethaphone — a substance prohibited due to its potential health hazards.
“In the interest of public safety, the entire stock was immediately confiscated and destroyed on site,” said Minister Rane. “Fresh fruit samples have also been collected for further analysis, and a police complaint has been filed against the involved vendors.”
The Health Minister praised the prompt response and vigilance of the FDA team, reiterating the government’s zero-tolerance stance on food adulteration. “We strongly condemn any malpractice involving food products and remain committed to ensuring food safety and public health across the state,” he added.
The crackdown has been welcomed by consumer rights groups, who have long demanded stricter enforcement against the use of harmful chemicals in food processing.
