Artificial ripening agents, such as calcium carbide, used on fruits can cause serious health problems, said Anil Kumar Anadure, chemistry expert and principal of the B.V.B College.
He was speaking at a workshop on “Post harvest management and ripening of mango” organised at the College of Horticulture here in Bidar on Monday.
The artificial ripening agents contain hydrides of arsenic and phosphorus that can cause cardiac problems, besides damaging the reproductive health of women, he said.
S. Devendra, district food safety and standards officer, spoke about the legal implications of such adulteration. He said artificial ripening using banned substances could attract a jail term of six months to six years and a fine of Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 10 lakh. He also spoke about how some traders were making false claims that these chemicals extended the shelf life of fruits.
S.S. Baragimath, deputy director of horticulture, said the department provided incentives to fruit farmers who could set up ripening chambers in their backyard. He also said that the state government had instructed officials to initiate action against traders, stockists or farmers, who were found using such ingredients in the post harvest process or sale.
Programme coordinator and post harvest technologist from CoH Tippanna K.S. demonstrated various cost-effective methods to ripen fruits, including use of ethylene gas.
M. S Lokesh, dean of the college, and others interacted with around 60 fruit sellers and farmers who participated.
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