In a major push to ensure food safety, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of Goa launched an intensive inspection drive targeting mango wholesale units in Siolim and the Mapusa Sub Yard. The operation was spearheaded by FDA Director Shweta Desai, along with officials Richard Noronha, Rajaram Patil, Lenin De Sa, Amit Mandrekar, and Safia Khan.
As part of the crackdown, the team inspected 15 wholesale units and collected 28 fruit samples, including mangoes and bananas. During the inspections, suspicious substances were discovered at two units in Mapusa, raising concerns over possible chemical ripening.
In response, the FDA seized 180 crates of mangoes and approximately 450 kilograms of bananas. The confiscated fruit samples have been sent for laboratory analysis to check for harmful chemical residues that may pose health risks to consumers.
This proactive initiative highlights the FDA’s unwavering commitment to public health and food safety. By taking swift and decisive action, the department aims to curb the illegal use of ripening agents and ensure that only safe, high-quality fruits make it to the Goan market.
The people of Goa have expressed appreciation for the professionalism and dedication of the FDA team, whose efforts continue to uphold consumer safety standards across the state.