Key Update

In a major food safety crackdown in Jaipur, food safety teams destroyed nearly 8,500 kg of rotten and fungus-infected fruits along with 1,500 kg of expired dates at a cold storage facility in Muhana Mandi in Jaipur. Officials acted during an early morning inspection drive at Aravalli Trade Vision to monitor fruit quality during the summer season.

Officials Find Spoiled Fruits Stored in Facility

During the inspection, officials found large quantities of spoiled and fungus-infected apples, grapes, pomegranates, oranges, and other fruits stored inside the cold storage unit. Food Safety Commissioner Dr T Shubhmangala said the department launched the drive to prevent unsafe fruits from reaching consumers during peak summer demand. The facility manager informed officials that different traders owned the fruits stored at the site.

Traders Allegedly Sorted and Washed Rotten Fruits for Sale

Officials called the traders to the facility for questioning. After waiting nearly four to five hours, some traders arrived and reportedly admitted that workers were sorting and washing spoiled fruits before selling them to retail traders at lower prices. The department immediately issued strict warnings and instructed traders not to sell unfit produce under any circumstances. Officials later destroyed the contaminated fruits and expired dates at the mandi dumping yard.

Action to Be Taken Under Food Safety Law

The department said it would issue notices to the traders involved and take action under the Food Safety and Standards Act. During the drive, inspection teams also checked mango warehouses and held discussions with the Phal Mandi Vyapar Sangh. Officials informed traders about the safe and scientific use of ethylene for fruit ripening. Authorities directed mandi officials to ensure that traders do not sell rotten fruits stored in cold storage facilities in local markets. The department also urged fruit and vegetable vendors to obtain mandatory licences under the Food Safety and Standards Act to improve monitoring and accountability in the market.

Source: The Times of India