New Delhi: As the mango season begins, cases of adulterated mangoes being sold in the market are also on the rise. Many mango sellers are traders who are found
using fake colours and chemicals to ripen mangoes faster. In this case however, reported from Pune district, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has seized 3,800 kgs of adulterated mangoes or mango pulps to be specific. The seizure was made by the Pune unit of the FDA.
More than 3000 kgs of adulterated mangoes seized: FDA
The Pune unit of the FDA shared that they seized more than 3,800 kgs of adulterated mango pulps during raids conducted in different parts of the Pune district. The raids were conducted on a fake mango pulp manufacturing unit located in Urse village of Maval taluka, reported the Times of India.
The officers found that mango pulp was being manufactured using adulterated food colours and other substances not permitted under food safety regulations in the country. The raiding team managed to destroy 3282.9 kgs of fake mango pulp during the raids. The manufacturing unit was also flagged for unsafe practices and serious violations.
In order to check for the additives used in the mangoes and the chemicals added to give it colour, the raiding team sent samples for testing to a laboratory for testing. We have sent raw mangoes, mango pulp and also the chemicals seized from the manufacturing unit to the lab, informed one of the officials who was part of the raiding team. The additives used include, a liquid saffron-coloured solution, cow’s milk and sugar.
Apart from raids in Urse, another raiding party seized 558 kg of mango pulp from Khed taluka. These mangoes were valued at Rs 61.380 in the market. So in total 3800 kgs of mangoes, worth Rs 2,23,196 was seized by the food safety inspectors.
Action against violators
Following the raids and seizure, the FDA officials said that those found operating food manufacturing units without a valid license are subject to strict punishment under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. They can be asked to pay upto Rs 10 lakh in penalty.
Following the seizure of fake mangoes, the FDA officials also appealed to the public to remain alert. They have requested consumers to report any suspected cases of food adulteration immediately. Consumers can register complaints on the FDA’s toll free number, 1800222365.
