Maharashtra FDA Seizes 1,394 Kg of Chemically Ripened Bananas at Navi Mumbai APMC Market
Maharashtra FDA seized 1,394 kg ethephon-ripened bananas (INR 67,814) at Turbhe APMC, destroyed 16,730 litres detergent-adulterated milk (INR 6.69 lakh) in Solapur, confiscated banned items and vehicles worth INR 1.29 crore (5 arrested), and suspended licences/registrations of 11 Mumbai eateries for hygiene lapses.
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken action against multiple food safety violations across the state, seizing 1,394 kg of bananas artificially ripened with ethephon at the APMC Turbhe Fruit Market, destroying 16,730 litres of detergent-adulterated milk, confiscating prohibited food stock and vehicles valued at about INR 1.29 crore, and suspending licences or registrations of 11 establishments in Mumbai. The actions form part of ongoing enforcement drives, including ahead of the festive season, under FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe.
Chemically ripened bananas seized at Turbhe market
Officials from the Konkan Division acted on information and inspected a fruit stall at the APMC Fruit Market in Sector 19, Turbhe, Navi Mumbai, on October 5. A worker was found dipping bananas in a solution of BTHILEX containing Ethephon 39 per cent SL, a plant growth regulator. Tukaram Mundhe-Led Maharashtra FDA Seizes Banned Pan Masala and Tobacco Worth INR 2.69 Crore in Raids.
Maharashtra FDA Seizes Chemically Ripened Bananas, Adulterated Milk and Banned Item
The seized stock comprised 198 kg of Sundari, 498 kg of Elaichi and 698 kg of Khatta Meetha bananas, valued at approximately INR 67,814. Samples of the fruit and chemical solution were collected for laboratory analysis. The chemical’s packaging lacked a Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee registration number and appeared suspicious. A case has been registered at the APMC Police Station under provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Insecticides Act. FDA guidelines permit only ethylene gas up to 100 ppm in closed chambers for ripening; direct dipping in ethephon solution is prohibited.
Detergent Found in Milk Samples in Solapur
In the Pune Division, officials registered two cases in Malshiras, Solapur district, after milk samples tested positive for detergent and were declared unsafe for consumption. At Mahalaxmi Milk and Milk Products, 7,634 litres valued at about INR 3.05 lakh were destroyed. At Delivish Agro Dairy Product Pvt. Ltd., 9,096 litres worth around INR 3.63 lakh were destroyed. The total quantity destroyed was 16,730 litres, valued at approximately INR 6.69 lakh. Two FIRs were registered.
Prohibited Food Items and Vehicles Seized
In Mumbai and Konkan Division operations, the FDA seized prohibited food stock worth INR 94.45 lakh and vehicles worth INR 35 lakh, for a combined value of INR 1.29 crore. Three FIRs were registered and five persons arrested. In Mumbai, prohibited items worth INR 31.14 lakh were recovered from three establishments, leading to three FIRs and three arrests. In Palghar, operations at Charoti Toll Naka and Khadinavde Toll Naka yielded banned pan masala, gutkha and scented tobacco worth a combined INR 63.3 lakh along with two vehicles valued at INR 35 lakh.
Action Against Mumbai Hotels, Restaurants and Bakeries
The Mumbai Division inspected 11 hotels, restaurants, caterers and bakeries and found lapses related to food safety, hygiene, storage and documentation. Licences of eight establishments were suspended and registration certificates of three others were suspended. The establishments include Nom Nom Restaurants, Mumma’s Kitchen, Chhotus Kitchen, Satkar Caterers, Suraj Lama Momos, Tardeo Lunch Home, Shagun Veg Restaurant, Roshan Bakery, Johar-E-Islam Hotel, Mister Momo King and Bharat Coffee House. Maharashtra FDA Crackdown: Licences Suspended and Cancelled for 8 Mumbai Food Establishments; Check Names Here.
Common issues reported by inspectors included improper refrigeration temperatures, uncovered food, presence of flies and insects, open dustbins, inadequate pest control, missing medical and training records for workers, poor separation of raw and cooked food, and use of non-food-grade materials or damaged equipment. The FDA has emphasised continued vigilance against food adulteration, unhygienic practices and the sale of prohibited items to protect public health.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 06, 2026 09:17 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).