In a major crackdown at the Aravalli Trade Vision cold storage facility in Muhana Mandi, the Jaipur food safety department destroyed approximately 8,500 kilograms of rotten and fungus-infected fruits, along with 1,500 kilograms of expired dates. The operation was conducted during an early morning inspection drive aimed at monitoring fruit quality during the summer season.
Inspection Details
Food Safety Commissioner Dr. T. Shubhmangala stated that the inspection revealed large quantities of spoiled, rotten, and fungus-infected apples, grapes, pomegranates, oranges, and other fruits stored at the facility. The manager of the cold storage informed officials that the fruits belonged to various traders. Officials then summoned the traders to the site. After a wait of nearly four to five hours, some traders arrived and admitted that the spoiled fruits were being sorted and washed before being sold to retail traders at lower prices.
Action Taken
Officials issued strict warnings and directed the traders not to sell unfit produce. The contaminated fruits and expired dates were subsequently destroyed at the mandi dumping yard. The department confirmed that notices would be issued to the concerned traders, and action would be taken under the Food Safety and Standards Act.
Additional Measures
During the same drive, officials also inspected mango warehouses. A meeting was held with the Phal Mandi Vyapar Sangh, where traders were educated about the safe and scientific use of ethylene for fruit ripening. Mandi officials were directed to ensure that rotten fruits stored in cold storage facilities are not sold in the market.
Licensing Reminder
The department also urged fruit and vegetable vendors to obtain mandatory licenses under the Food Safety and Standards Act to ensure compliance with food safety regulations.
