GUWAHATI: In a targeted enforcement drive by Commissiorate of Food safety on Thursday, June 11, in Fancy Bazaar area, food safety officer recovered calcium carbide allegedly concealed inside mango cartons sourced from a Food Business Operator (FBO) identified as Avdesh Kumar.
The seized chemical samples have been collected for legal proceedings under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Following the inspection, around 50 kg of mangoes were destroyed at the GMC dumping site.
Speaking with GPlus, Senior Food Safety Officer Champak Pathak said, “The drive was conducted in Tamul Gali of Fancy Bazaar. These mangoes come from West Bengal, and calcium carbide is a banned chemical. If consumed, it can be very harmful for consumers.”
He further added that this was the fourth such drive in Fancy Bazaar since the mango season began this year, but some individuals are still involved in such unsafe practices.
Meanwhile, a local businessman told GPlus that the sale of such products has declined significantly, estimating that it has reduced by nearly 90% compared to earlier levels.