In a pre-summer crackdown on food adulteration, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Pune, has busted an illegal mango pulp manufacturing unit in Maval taluka, seizing and destroying more than 3.8 tonnes of adulterated stock and tracing its supply chain to another unit in Khed. FDA officials said the pulp was being made using unauthorised colours and other adulterants, raising concerns over public health ahead of the peak mango consumption season.
At a glance
Location 1: Urse village, Maval taluka
Location 2: Rakshewadi, Rajgurunagar (Khed taluka)
Total quantity seized: 3840.9 kg
Total value: Rs 2,23,196
Samples collected: 7
Accused: Mohammad Ekramul alias Akram Gulam
Pic/istock
What was found
Mango pulp allegedly made using unauthorised colours,
Use of suspected adulterants
>> Sugar
>> Cow’s milk
>> Liquid saffron colour solution
>> Unit operating without proper authorisation
Seizure and action
>> 3282.9 kg stock seized at Urse unit Rs 1,61,816
>> Entire stock destroyed due to its perishable nature
>> 558 kg seized at Khed unit Rs 61,380
>> Total seizure value: Rs 2,23,196
Supply chain link
>> Adulterated pulp supplied to M/s Avishkar Enterprises, Khed
>> One additional sample collected at the second unit
>> Probe underway into distribution network
Samples sent for testing
>> Mango pulp
>> Raw mangoes
>> Sugar
>> Cow’s milk
>> Liquid saffron colour solution
>> Additional pulp sample from Khed unit
Officials involved
>> Assistant commissioner (food): NR Sarkate
>> Vigilance food safety officer: BAO Shinde
>> Food safety officers:
RV Maske, PS Kachhwe, Satish Hake
>> Supervision: Joint Commissioner DV Bhogawade, Commissioner Shreedhar Dube Patil
Legal position
>> Manufacturing or selling fruit products without a licence is punishable
>> Law: Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
>> Penalty: Up to Rs 10 lakh
Public advisory
>> Citizens urged to report suspected adulteration
>> FDA toll-free helpline: 1800-222-365
>> Authorities warn of strict action against violators
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