FDA destroys 4.5 tonnes of mangoes; conducts more raids

FDA destroys 4.5 tonnes of mangoes; conducts more raids  
HERALD NEWS BUREAU
PANJIM, JUNE 23
The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) officials on Wednesday destroyed 4.5 tonnes of artificially ripened mangoes at Ponda and Mapusa, even as similar raids continued in Margao and Bicholim.
MARCEL CORRESPONDENT ADDS: FDA Director Salim Veljee informed that 3.5 tonnes of mangoes were proved to have been ripened using Calcium Carbide in Ponda. However, the FDA officials could not found any incriminating substance in over 5 tonnes of mangoes.
“In Mapusa, we confiscated 1 tonne of mangoes,” added the FDA Director.
“After obtaining orders from respective Mapusa and Ponda Judicial Magistrate First Court (JMFC), the FDA officials with the help of municipal staff destroyed 4.5 tonnes of seized mangoes, including 3.5 tonnes from Ponda and 1 tonne from Mapusa,” said Veljee.
In Ponda, the exercise was supervised by FDA inspectors Nelson Fernandes and Shailesh Shenvi, while in Mapusa, Flavia D’Souza and Abel Rodrigues monitored.
“The credit goes to our FDA inspectors, State administration and municipal councils, with whose support, we have been able to execute and take action against illegal ripening cases,” said Veljee.
According to FDA officials, using Calcium Carbide is a violation under Prevention of Food and Adulteration Rules 1955 and carries a penalty of six months imprisonment and fine.
“We are in the process of filing cases against the eight accused involved in illegal mangoes ripening. The cases will be filed in respective taluka courts,” informed Veljee.
It may be recalled that the FDA inspectors last week during a routine inspection had found few mango dealers in Mapusa and Ponda using banned chemical to ripen mangoes.
VASCO REPORTER ADDS: The FDA officials on Wednesday continued with its raids on storehouses of fruit merchants in Margao and Bicholim.
“The FDA officials conducted raids on mangoes and banana in Bicholim and Margao. In all, nine godowns were raided, including three in Bicholim and six in Margao,” informed Veljee.
“Three godowns at Vatevada-Bicholim, six in Margao, two near Gandhi market, two near Cine Lata and one each near Guru Ashish Building and Comba were raided, “ added Veljee.
He further said no hazardous chemicals like Calcium Carbide were found at most of the stores, engaged in artificial ripening. He said the raids will continue in other parts of the State.