Major Action Taken by Food Safety Department in Bhopal

CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress / ITDC News Bhopal: Samples of chemical ripeners, mangoes, and watermelons were seized from Karond Mandi, Lalghati, and Minal Residency areas as part of a major drive by the Food Safety Administration to ensure the availability of pure and safe food items for the general public. The action was carried out under the directions of Bhopal Collector Priyank Mishra, with continuous surprise inspections and sampling operations being conducted across the city.

As part of the campaign, separate teams of food safety officials conducted intensive inspections at more than a dozen fruit and vegetable shops in Lalghati and Karond Fruit and Vegetable Market. During the drive, surveillance and testing samples of mangoes, watermelons, and muskmelons were collected, along with suspected chemicals used for artificially ripening fruits.

A team led by Food Safety Officer Bhojraj Singh Dhakad conducted a surprise inspection at Shop No. 18, Saeed Fruit Company (operated by Mohammad Saeed, son of Abdul Rahim) in Karond Fruit Market under the Food Safety Surveillance Food Plan. During the inspection, a substance named “Yellow Ripe,” allegedly being used for artificial ripening of fruits, was seized. A sample of mangoes suspected of being artificially ripened was also collected for laboratory testing.

Samples Collected from New Fruit and Vegetable Market

A joint team of food safety officials also took action at Shop No. 13 of the New Fruit and Vegetable Market in Karond, operated by Mohammad Parvez and Mohammad Saeed. Samples of watermelon and mangoes were collected to ensure compliance with food quality standards.

In addition, the department’s team carried out intensive inspections at more than a dozen other fruit shops in Lalghati and Karond Market. Suspected lots of watermelon, muskmelon, and mangoes were examined, and necessary samples were collected for quality testing.