Artificially ripened mangoes destroyed

Food Safety Officers carried out surprise raids on the shops selling mangoes on the Mahatma Gandhi Road here on Tuesday.

They found heaps of artificially ripened mangoes there. The officials seized about 100 kg of such mangoes and also two kg of powdered calcium carbide used for hastening the ripening process.

The officials warned the traders of stringent action, as provided under the Food Safety and Standards Act, if they continue to market such pre-matured fruits and usage of chemicals for their ripening. Consuming unnaturally ripened mangoes would result in mouth ulcers, skin rashes and gastric problems. Such fruits would have uniform colour on the skin sans the natural aroma.

It is suggested that before consumption the fruits should be washed under the tap (running water) for few minutes and the skin should be peeled off.

Later, the officials took the seized fruits to the municipality grounds and destroyed the lot.