Turbhe: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has seized 1,384 kg of bananas allegedly ripened using hazardous chemicals from a stall at the APMC fruit market in Navi Mumbai. Four persons, including the food business proprietor and a chemical manufacturer and supplier, have been booked, while the main accused, Ravindrakumar Chandradev Gautam, has been arrested.

The action followed a video an alert citizen allegedly recorded, showing vendors dipping bananas in chemicals to speed up the ripening process. After the video surfaced on social media, the FDA conducted a raid at stall No. N-191 on October 5.

According to the FDA, Gautam was found allegedly using illegal and adulterated chemicals to artificially ripen the bananas. The agency stated, “The treated fruit was considered harmful to human health and the entire stock was seized. The seized consignment included 188 kg of Sundari bananas worth Rs.5,940, 498 kg of Elaichi bananas worth Rs.42,330 and 698 kg of Khatta-Mitha bananas valued at Rs.19,544.”

The FDA alleged that Mohammed Umar Mohammed Ikhlas and Mohammed Nazir Hussain assisted by making the stall available. Investigators also found that Sai Chemicals Industries, Bengaluru, was allegedly involved in manufacturing and supplying the prohibited chemical.

A case has been registered at APMC Police Station under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Police Sub-Inspector Govind Kute is conducting further investigation.

The raid has renewed concerns over the use of chemicals to artificially ripen fruits entering the wholesale market and eventually reaching consumers.