FDA seizes 1,394kg of banana from an APMC in Navi Mumbai allegedly being treated with a banned chemical to make the ripe

Food safety officials have seized nearly 1.4 tonnes of bananas from a stall at the APMC Fruit Market in Turbhe after allegedly finding a worker using a plant growth regulator to artificially ripen the fruit by dipping it directly into a chemical solution, as per a TOI report.

Acting on a tip-off, a food safety officer, accompanied by panch witnesses, inspected the stall and allegedly found bananas being treated with BTHILEX, labelled as Ethephon 39% soluble liquid, a plant growth regulator.

According to officials, the seller told the inspection team that two caps of the chemical had been mixed with five litres of water for the process.


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1,394kg of bananas seized

The authorities seized 1,394kg of bananas valued at approximately Rs 67,814. The fruit was stored for sale and seized under Section 38 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Three statutory samples of the bananas were collected for laboratory analysis. A surveillance sample of the chemical solution was also taken during the inspection.

Officials flag chemical’s packaging

The inspection team also raised concerns over the BTHILEX packaging. Officials said the label appeared to carry illegitimate manufacturer details, including the address, pin code and contact number.

The product also reportedly did not carry a registration number from the Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee.

FDA officials said the product could be counterfeit or unregistered and that the matter was being referred for action under the Insecticides Act, 1968.

FDA flags direct use of ethephon on fruit

Officials said ethephon is permitted only for generating ethylene gas and that directly dipping fruits in the chemical is prohibited.

According to the FDA, such use can result in chemical residues on the fruit and may pose health risks to consumers.