CHENNAI: Food safety department officials seized around 900kg of artificially ripened mangoes from three markets in the city in a two-day drive that ended on Thursday.
On Wednesday and Thursday, three teams ofofficials raided shops at the Koyambedu whosalefruit market, T Nagar and Kothawalchavadi and seized 300kg of calcium carbide, a carcinogen used to artificially ripen mangoes. Officials say most of the mangoes that were ripened using the chemical were of the 'Banganapalle' and 'Neelam' varieties.
This is the third such raid by the department since the beginning of this year's mango season. In April, more than 50kg of calcium carbide and nearly two tonnes of artificially-ripened mangoes were seized from 200 shops.
Food safety officials say the seizures are much higher than last year. "The practice is more rampant this year probably owing to the fact that the season got off to a slow start. We have stepped up vigil and will conduct surprise raids once in a week," said food safety officer S Lakshmi Narayanan. In addition to the raids, officials are also distributing pamphlets to wholesalers and retailers listing the harmful effects of artificial ripening in a bid to curb the practice.
Calcium carbide is the most commonly used chemical to ripen the 'king' of fruits. Some vendorsalso resort to burning kerosene stove or incense sticks in closed rooms to quicken the ripening process. Experts say these methods make mangoes appear a bright yellow and enjoy a longer shelf life but are dangerous for consumption.
Calcium carbide is banned under Section 44A of the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, but continues to be 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 that 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.
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