TRICHY: Despite strict measures taken by officials of the food safetywing and the Trichy Corporation to bring down the flooding of artificially-ripened mangoes into the markets, traders continue to deal with the practice to make a quick buck unmindful of the fines they have to pay, if caught.
During the two raids conducted this year, officials seized 21.15 tonnes of mangoes comprising many varieties. The team of food safety wing officials raided 50 shops in Gandhi Market areas on April 30 and found 2.25 tonnes of artificially-ripened mangoes in eight shops. The mangoes kept in 110 cases were valued at Rs 1.47 lakh. On May 20, a team led by district collector Jayashree Muralidharan seized about 18.9 tonnes of mangoes at six godowns in Mambalasalai in Srirangam.
Last year, officials had seized carbide stones which were used for ripening the mangoes. However, this time the traders, who are unwilling to abandon the practice were found using carbide powders instead of stones without any concern for the people's health.
Dr A Ramakrishnan, designated officer (DO), food safety wing, Trichy said that they are planning to conduct a meeting with the traders to advise them. "We have already advised the traders about the consequences of indulging in ripening the mangoes artificially. This year too, we would conduct a meeting with them. It is found that some seasonal traders are only indulging in this practice," said Ramakrishnan.
Though the officials have been advising and seizing the mangoes, they cannot be controlled. M Sekaran, president of federation of consumer and service organisation said, "There should be ajoint effort by the food safety wing, CHO and district supply officer to put an end to the menace. The district administration should crack the whip."
The government allowed using ethlin spray to ripen the mangoes. But they do not prefer to use it because they mangoes ripened by this can easily rotten leading to loss to the traders. However, the mangoes ripened using carbide stone will quickly ripen and last long.
Dr S Mariappan, city health officer (CHO) of Trichy Corporation advised the people to be careful in differentiating between natural and artificially-ripened mangoes.
"The artificially-ripened mangoes have no greenish patches. The black patches and wrinkles can be spotted. By confirming they are good mangoes, people can buy it. Otherwise, it would cause diahorrea, indigestion, gastric irritation," he said.
Last year, officials had seized carbide stones which were used for ripening the mangoes. However, this time the traders, who are unwilling to abandon the practice were found using carbide powders instead of stones without any concern for the people's health.
Dr A Ramakrishnan, designated officer (DO), food safety wing, Trichy said that they are planning to conduct a meeting with the traders to advise them. "We have already advised the traders about the consequences of indulging in ripening the mangoes artificially. This year too, we would conduct a meeting with them. It is found that some seasonal traders are only indulging in this practice," said Ramakrishnan.
Though the officials have been advising and seizing the mangoes, they cannot be controlled. M Sekaran, president of federation of consumer and service organisation said, "There should be ajoint effort by the food safety wing, CHO and district supply officer to put an end to the menace. The district administration should crack the whip."
The government allowed using ethlin spray to ripen the mangoes. But they do not prefer to use it because they mangoes ripened by this can easily rotten leading to loss to the traders. However, the mangoes ripened using carbide stone will quickly ripen and last long.
Dr S Mariappan, city health officer (CHO) of Trichy Corporation advised the people to be careful in differentiating between natural and artificially-ripened mangoes.
"The artificially-ripened mangoes have no greenish patches. The black patches and wrinkles can be spotted. By confirming they are good mangoes, people can buy it. Otherwise, it would cause diahorrea, indigestion, gastric irritation," he said.
Awareness programmes on Good practices in storing ripening to the Wholesaler merchants, purchasing tips to consumers is the need of the hour. Raids and action taken by enforcement team on this will support the cause.
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