On March 23, a 17-member team fanned out in Koyambedu market and seized close to 1,100kg of mangoes, 1,800kg of sapota and 300kg of papaya, along with 75kg of calcium carbide stones used to ripen them prematurely. In a surprise raid a week earlier, officials had found 1,000kg of mangoes being ripened with the same chemical.
Calcium carbide is the most commonly used chemical to ripen the 'king' of fruits. Some vendors also resort to burning kerosene stove or incense sticks in closed rooms to quicken the ripening process. Experts say these methods give the mangoes a bright yellow and have a longer shelf life but are dangerous to eat.
Calcium carbide is banned under Section 44A of the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, but it is widely used by fruit merchants. The chemical in solid form is kept wrapped in paper among the fruits. It reacts with water to form acetylene, which catalyses the ripening process.
Medical experts say calcium carbide may contain traces of arsenic and phosphorous, which could damage the kidney and liver and cause ulcers and gastric problems. If they are artificially ripened, mangoes could pose serious health hazards even if they are eaten in moderate measure.
R Kathiravan, designated officer of TNFDA, Chennai district, said despite several awareness campaigns and warnings by the agency, traders continued to rampantly use the chemical, especially if the production of the fruit is lean or if the season gets off to a slow start. He said the department was mulling over cancelling the licences of shops selling such fruits. "We will be intimating the Market Management Committee on this once we sort out some legal hurdles," he said.
The public can also inform the department (044-23813095, email dofssache@gmail.com) on shops selling artificially ripened fruits.
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