SAFETY FACTOR:The immense nutritional value of fruits is negated by artificial ripening, which poses serious health hazards.—File Photo: M. Periasamy
Fruits should be thoroughly washed with fresh/salt water to remove pesticides and other chemicals
Consuming seasonal fruits is one of the best ways to stay healthy when braving scorching summer days.
Doctors and dieticians say that fruits provided necessary nutrients while keeping diseases away. But, there is concern over carcinogenic (cancer-causing) agents being used to ripen the fruits quickly for higher volume of sales. Generally, Indian families prefer carbohydrate-rich food and do not include adequate quantity of raw vegetables and fruits in their diet. Fruits like water melon, mangoes, plums, musk melon and jackfruit should be included in our diet during summer, doctors and nutritionists point out.
Water melon is rich in fibre and prevents dehydration while mango serves as a source of nutrition which could replace diet supplements. Plum is rich in minerals and iron.
Fruits contain plenty of fibre, which cleanse our system by getting rid of waste and toxins, keep bowel movements regular and prevent diseases like cholesterol, bowel cancer and diverticulosis, says Priya Narasimhan, chief dietician at K.G Hospital. As for the nutritional content, the experts say that it is best to consume fruits in raw form which prevents loss of nutrients. Adding preservatives in fruits drinks is not advised, Ms. Narasimhan points out.
She adds that oranges, raspberries, plums, grape, apples, prune, raisins, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, and pears can also be consumed during summer.
Risk of cancer
The antioxidants found in fruits help eliminate free radicals, carcinogenic by-products from metabolic processes, thereby reducing the risk of cancer.
Even while emphasising the importance of seasonal fruits in diet, the experts point out that it was important to ensure they are safe for consumption.
Fruits should be thoroughly washed with fresh/salt water to remove pesticides and other chemicals.
Chemicals used for artificial ripening of fruits can cause cancer. So can chemical pesticides that are used to boost production, says P. Guhan, Director of Sri Ramakrishna Institute of Oncology and Research.
The International Agency for Research of Cancer has listed a number of chemical agents/pesticides that can cause various types of cancer, he says. People should be aware of the risks of consuming fruits that are artificially ripened. Public health authorities should look at more stringent enforcement of rules to prevent the hazardous practice of artificial ripening of mangoes using calcium carbide.
Food inspectors caution against certain illegal practices followed by fruit vendors to artificially ripen fruits. According to R. Kathiravan, designated officer, Tamil Nadu Food Safety and Drug Administration Department, Coimbatore, chemicals like calcium carbide crystals which react with water to form acetylene gas or acetylene in gas form are used by vendors to artificially ripen fruits. “Ethephone, an insecticide, is another chemical used for the purpose. Some vendors also resort to burning kerosene stove or incense sticks in closed rooms to quicken the process of ripening,” Dr. Kathiravan adds.
According to him, artificial ripening of mango and sapota were commonly reported in the district. All kind of fruits including guava, apples, pineapple, papaya and banana are artificially ripened.
He points out that though safer methods of ripening fruits are allowed in other countries, the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (Rules 2011) totally bans the practice of ripening of fruits in India.
He says that the road-side vendors in the district are sensitised on hygiene aspects and are also directed to keep food covered and to supply them in closed containers.
It is also important to ensure that the equipment used by fruits and fruits juice vendors are kept clean and maintained well, Dr. Kathiravan added. Dr. Guhan explains that fruit ripened using calcium carbide will be uniformly coloured and appear flawless. It is better to avoid fruits with polished appearance.
According to Ms. Narasimhan, carbide gas acts as a neurotic agent which can cause neurological disorders. It is hazardous to pregnant women and child.
Though used in small amounts, the chemicals used for artificial ripening contain carcinogens, arsenic and phosphorus.
Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, diarrhoea, burning or tingling sensation, numbness, headache and dizziness, she adds.
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