FDA Seizes 1,394 Kg Artificially Ripened Bananas at APMC Turbhe

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seized 1,394 kg of artificially ripened bananas valued at Rs 67,814 at APMC Turbhe on Monday as part of a crackdown against food safety violations across the region. Officials acted after finding that the fruit was being treated with a chemical solution to hasten ripening.

The operation at the Turbhe APMC premises followed specific information received by the FDA indicating that fruits were being artificially ripened using chemicals. During the raid, an APMC worker was caught dipping the bananas into an ethephon solution.

Alongside the seizure at Turbhe, the regulatory body took action against 11 food establishments in Mumbai. The affected businesses included hotels, restaurants, caterers, and bakeries that were penalised over hygiene and food safety violations.

In addition to the checks on food service outlets, authorities seized prohibited food stock and vehicles worth approximately Rs 1.29 crore across Mumbai and Palghar.

The enforcement drive also uncovered adulteration in Solapur district, where two cases involving 16,730 litres of milk tested positive for detergent. The contaminated milk was destroyed, and First Information Reports were registered by the authorities.