Pune: FDA Oversight Lacking For Seasonal Mangoes: Beware Of Potential Health Risks !

Unchecked mangoes have become a cause for serious food safety concerns, prompting authorities to urge citizens to exercise caution when purchasing the luscious fruit. 

27 April 2024

By Ishika Kumar

In a concerning turn of events, the absence of inspection by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has left consumers wary about the safety of mangoes flooding the market. 

Unchecked mangoes have become a cause for serious food safety concerns, prompting authorities to urge citizens to exercise caution when purchasing the luscious fruit. Typically, artificially grown mangoes undergo rigorous monitoring by the FDA to ensure consumer safety. However, the current manpower shortage due to the ongoing Lok Sabha elections has disrupted this process, leaving mango lovers feeling less enthusiastic about their market purchases. 

Inquiries made at the Joint Commissioner’s Office revealed a lack of action regarding mango inspections this season. Consequently, consumers have been advised to buy mangoes only from their known sources, as the crop has not undergone the usual scrutiny for quality and safety. To ensure the safety and quality of seasonal fruits, the FDA conducts rigorous food safety checks, including:

• Pesticide Residue Testing: Regular testing to ensure fruits are free from harmful pesticide residues.
• Quality Inspection: Visual inspection for signs of spoilage, damage or contamination.
• Ripeness and Maturity Testing: Assessment to ensure fruits are harvested at the optimal stage of development.
• Microbiological Testing: Detection of harmful bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli and Listeria.
• Compliance with Food Safety Standards: Ensuring adherence to Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).
• Labelling Requirements: Proper labelling with accurate information such as country of origin and date of harvest.
• Storage and Transportation Monitoring: Prevention of temperature abuse to maintain fruit quality and safety from farm to table.

The absence of regulatory oversight has allowed sellers of adulterated and unripe mangoes to thrive in the city, raising health concerns among consumers. Large quantities of mangoes flood the market in Pimpri Chinchwad from the Konkan, Pune and Vashi market areas. With vendors selling mangoes at various chowks, citizens are left in uncertainty regarding the authenticity and quality of these mangoes. 

Following a meeting, the FDA has directed fruit sellers in the market regarding mango safety measures. However, reports of calcium carbonate being used in ripening mangoes have raised further health concerns among consumers. When questioned about regulatory actions, FDA officials cited manpower engagement in election work as a hindrance. However, they assured that action will be taken after the election work is eased.

Citizens have been urged to remain vigilant when buying mangoes from street or door-to-door vendors, as there have been reports of inferior quality produce being sold under false pretences. To ensure authenticity and quality, it is recommended to purchase mangoes from established mandais and markets within the city. Market inspections are conducted regularly, and punitive action is taken if rules are not followed, informed RS Shinde, Bharari Team Division Head, Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC). As consumers navigate through the mango season, vigilance and awareness remain crucial in safeguarding against potential health risks associated with unchecked mangoes in the market.