311 ripening chambers inspected; improvement notices issued to more than 132 establishments
More than five quintals of substandard bananas, worth over ₹15,000, destroyed
Ripening chambers checked for cleanliness, handling of fruit, and hygiene of trays in use
Lucknow, October 2026 : To ensure compliance with food safety standards in the fruit ripening process, the food safety and drug administration (FSDA) carried out a wide-ranging inspection drive against banana ripening centers across the state. A total of 311 ripening chambers were inspected statewide. During this, 25 establishments were found operating without a valid food license. Officials took action against the violations and issued improvement notices to more than 132 establishments. In addition, more than five quintals of bananas that did not meet quality standards were destroyed.
During the drive, food safety officers inspected the ripening chambers for cleanliness, handling of fruit, hygiene of the trays being used, and compliance with departmental guidelines. At many centers, the state of hygiene was found to be unsatisfactory. Shortcomings such as filth, uncleaned trays, and negligence in maintaining the premises came to light. Taking notice of hygiene standards at centers that ripen and store food items seriously, the concerned operators were directed to make improvements.
20 samples taken and sent for testing
During the inspection, food safety officers collected a total of 20 samples to check quality. Compliance with food safety standards will be assessed through testing of these samples. Further action will be taken on the basis of the test reports. During the drive, more than five quintals of poor-quality bananas were destroyed. The value of the destroyed bananas was more than ₹15,000.
Action against those doing business without a license
Under the Food Safety and Standards Act, it is mandatory for establishments engaged in food business to comply with the provisions regarding the required license or registration. Despite this, 25 establishments were found operating without a valid food license during the inspection. Action is being taken against such establishments as per the rules. In addition, improvement notices were issued to more than 132 establishments so that they remedy the shortcomings found and conduct their business in line with the prescribed standards.
Caution is also necessary in the banana ripening process
At the commercial level, ethylene gas is used under controlled conditions to ripen bananas. In contrast, the use of acetylene gas released from calcium carbide is prohibited under food safety rules. Ethephon is also a chemical that affects the fruit ripening process in plants, and its use should be only in accordance with the relevant rules and permissions. During the artificial ripening of fruits, the hygiene of the substances, equipment, and premises used is of particular importance. Use of wrong chemicals, dirty equipment, and unhygienic conditions can pose risks to consumers' health. In such a situation, regular inspection of ripening chambers and compliance with the prescribed standards are essential.
