Surat's Municipal Corporation Health Department conducted a surprise raid at the Mahatma Gandhi Fruit Market today in a bid to ensure food safety during the summer season. Food safety officials seized and destroyed over 270 kgs of spoiled fruits, mostly mangoes, during the inspection.

The raid comes amidst concerns about the use of carbide to artificially ripen mangoes. The Health Department is keeping a close watch on traders to ensure they adhere to proper sales practices. D.K. Patel, a Food Safety Officer, stated that the department is actively inspecting markets and issuing notices to establishments found using carbide. They are also levying administrative fines and destroying unfit fruits on the spot.

"Today's raid at the Mahatma Gandhi Market resulted in the destruction of spoiled fruits and the issuance of notices to vendors. An administrative fee of Rs. 26,000 was also collected," Patel added. The Health Department's vigilance aims to safeguard consumer health during the mango season.