Goa, April 15 -- In a major push to ensure food safety, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of Goa launched an intensive inspection drive targeting mango wholesale units in Siolim and the Mapusa Sub Yard. The operation was spearheaded by FDA Director Shweta Desai, along with officials Richard Noronha, Rajaram Patil, Lenin De Sa, Amit Mandrekar, and Safia Khan.

As part of the crackdown, the team inspected 15 wholesale units and collected 28 fruit samples, including mangoes and bananas. During the inspections, suspicious substances were discovered at two units in Mapusa, raising concerns over possible chemical ripening.

In response, the FDA seized 180 crates of mangoes and approximately 450 kilograms of bananas. The confiscated fruit s...