Coimbatore saw a major crackdown on artificially ripened mangoes on May 23 as 16.1 tonnes of mangoes and 100 kg of spoiled apples were seized following a sudden inspection by the Food Safety Officers.
Coimbatore: In a major operation, the Food Safety Department, acting on directives from higher authorities, conducted a surprise inspection across various streets in Coimbatore city on May 23. The inspection was led by District Appointee Officer TamilSelvan.
The team investigated 55 wholesale and storage facilities in Vaishiyal Street, Periya Kadai Street, Paval Street I and II, Karuppa Gounder Street, and Kempatti Colony Street. During this sweep, they discovered small chemical packets used for artificially ripening fruits placed inside mango boxes across 15 warehouses and 16 wholesale shops. This led to the confiscation of approximately 16.1 tonnes of mangoes and about 100 kg of spoiled apples.
Following the seizure, the spoilt fruits were destroyed and processed into compost at a municipal facility. The market value of the seized fruits amounted to approximately ₹12,91,560. Notices have been issued to all 21 implicated wholesale outlets and warehouses, reiterating that such illegal practices must not be repeated.
This operation was in compliance with the recent orders for stricter enforcement against artificial ripening of fruits. All chemical packets used for this process were also seized during the inspection, ensuring compliance with food safety standards.
The team investigated 55 wholesale and storage facilities in Vaishiyal Street, Periya Kadai Street, Paval Street I and II, Karuppa Gounder Street, and Kempatti Colony Street. During this sweep, they discovered small chemical packets used for artificially ripening fruits placed inside mango boxes across 15 warehouses and 16 wholesale shops. This led to the confiscation of approximately 16.1 tonnes of mangoes and about 100 kg of spoiled apples.
Following the seizure, the spoilt fruits were destroyed and processed into compost at a municipal facility. The market value of the seized fruits amounted to approximately ₹12,91,560. Notices have been issued to all 21 implicated wholesale outlets and warehouses, reiterating that such illegal practices must not be repeated.
This operation was in compliance with the recent orders for stricter enforcement against artificial ripening of fruits. All chemical packets used for this process were also seized during the inspection, ensuring compliance with food safety standards.