Pune: In a major crackdown ahead of peak mango season, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has seized over 3,800 kg of adulterated mango pulp from two locations in Pune district, officials said.
The action began with a raid at a unit in Maval taluka’s Urse village, where authorities found mango pulp allegedly being produced using unauthorised food colours and prohibited substances. The facility, reportedly operated by Mohammad Ekramul alias Akram Gulam, was flagged for serious violations.
FDA teams collected multiple samples, including pulp, raw mangoes and additives, for laboratory testing. Due to the perishable nature of the stock, over 3,200 kg of pulp was destroyed on-site, with an estimated value of ₹1.61 lakh.
Further investigation led officials to a second unit in Khed taluka that had sourced pulp from the Maval facility. During a follow-up raid, an additional 558 kg of mango pulp was seized, valued at around ₹61,000.
In total, authorities confiscated more than 3.8 tonnes of adulterated pulp, with the combined value pegged at ₹2.23 lakh.
Officials said the operation was conducted under senior FDA officers, including N. R. Sarkate and Shridhar Dube Patil. The department has warned that strict action will be taken against violators under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, which prescribes penalties of up to ₹10 lakh for non-compliance.
The FDA has also urged consumers to remain cautious while purchasing mango-based products during the ongoing season.