Team Goemkarponn
PONDA: Following the discovery of over 100 cans of worm and maggot-infested ginger garlic paste next to huge packets of fried onions, a scrapyard close to Ponda’s bypass route has been blocked.
The products were long over their expiration dates, according to the labels on the cans.
The Ponda Municipal Council (PMC) promptly sealed the scrapyard after receiving an official complaint. Nearly 100 cans of fried onions, which are frequently used in the making of biryani, and ginger garlic paste, which are packaged in huge transparent PET bottles, were found within the premises.
Under the direction of PMC Chairperson Anand Naik, a group went to the Ponda scrapyard by the Warkhandem underpass. The team was shocked to see that the tainted paste was being marketed to eateries serving biryani and roadside food vendors all around Ponda town.
Consequently, the Chairperson petitioned the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) to look into nearby food booths for hygienic compliance and ordered the scrapyard to be sealed immediately.
Although the PMC has been commended for acting quickly, locals have expressed displeasure because they have brought up similar concerns about illegal scrapyards operating in public areas on multiple times.
According to PMC Chief Officer Yogiraj Gosavi, a number of scrapyard owners have already received show-cause notices telling them to move their operations to industrial estates and remove the residential zones.
“Residents have complained that these scrapyards in residential areas pose health and fire risks. We sealed this specific scrapyard today (Tuesday), and notices have been given,” Gosavi said.
Gosavi claims that four more illegal scrapyards are using Warkhandem’s open areas.
Following this discovery, PMC Chairperson Naik emphasized the need of food safety. “Many people eat at roadside food stalls, and if food containing these contaminated ingredients is being served, it could lead to serious health issues,” he stated.
