Food safety officials inspecting a godown in Coimbatore on Wednesday. , Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on Wednesday seized a total of 25 tonnes of mangoes and sweet limes (mosambi) from fruit stalls in Coimbatore after they were ripened improperly using ethylene pouches. The value of the seized fruits is around Rs 12.56 lakh.
Based on directions from District Collector Kriti Kumar Pati, FSSAI formed eight teams comprising 16 food safety officers for surprise inspections of fruit stalls and godowns in Coimbatore.
The teams inspected a total of 45 fruit stalls and godowns in Vysial Street, Big Bazaar Street, Karuppanna Gounder Street, Muthu Vinayagar Kovil Street, Pavalam Street-I and II, Dharmaraja Kovil Street and Kempty Colony Street.
Food safety officials found that ethylene sachets, one of the ripening agents, were being used improperly for ripening mangoes and sweet limes in 16 stores. It was found that ethylene pouches were kept in trays, which were in direct contact with mangoes and sweet limes.
FSSAI designated officer in Coimbatore K. Tamilselvan said, as per the norms, such ripening agents should be used in chambers made for the purpose, without direct contact with the fruit.
Food safety officials seized a total of 25 tonnes totaling 22,618 kg of mangoes and 2,510 kg of sweet lime. The seized fruits were taken to the Coimbatore Corporation’s mangrove-production unit at the Vellore dump yard where they were used to make compost.
According to FSSAI, notices were given at the shops. Public can report food safety related complaints on 94440 42322.