PORVORIM: Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) demanded on Thursday that the government direct the Food Drugs and Administration (FDA) to conduct regular testing of fruits and vegetables for pesticide residues, as well as inspect fish consignments to detect formalin.
During the discussions on demands, the MLAs alleged that the FDA, responsible for analysing various food items, has failed to effectively monitor fruits and vegetables for pesticide residues, which are reportedly used indiscriminately by farmers.
Calangute MLA Michael Lobo voiced his concern over the daily artificial ripening of fruits, particularly bananas, at the Mapusa yard. He warned that such practices pose significant health risks, with cancer cases rising exponentially. Lobo emphasized the need for continuous checks, raids, and fines to be implemented across all yards in Goa to address the consumption of adulterated food.
Siolim MLA Delilah Lobo urged the government to consider providing affordable testing kits to the public through pharmacies across the State. She emphasized the public’s right to know whether the fish, fruits, and vegetables they consume are safe for consumption or not.
Velim MLA Cruz Silva raised concerns about fish consignments coming from outside the State possibly being laced with formalin. He stressed that fish is a staple food for Goans and urged the government to take the necessary steps to conduct regular testing of fish samples to address the formalin issue.
