Fruit traders warned against chemical use

Sources in the Food Safety Department said that their officials had cautioned the Koyembedu fruit traders against using chemical sprays to artificially ripen fruits. The officials were also in the process of putting up caution notices in the market complexe

Chennai: 

A day after DTNext carried a report, “Bananas Sweeter in City, not safe,” the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSA) officials quickly swung into action and raided the Koyambedu market complex and other fruit shops in the city. 

The report had stated that fruit traders were using chemical sprays largely to ripen fruits to earn quick money. Doctors warned that consuming such chemically laced fruits would create health complications. 

On Thursday, the artificially ripened fruits and chemicals disappeared from the market complex. When DTNext spoke to a wholesale trader on the use of chemicals, he said that they had been warned against using such chemical items today. “We learnt that we will face legal action if we used ethylene sprays to ripen fruits,” the trader said. 

When contacted, R Kathiravan, Designated Officer (FSSA), Chennai, said, “We are planning more raids in the city in view of the onset of early summer and people’s desire to consume more fruits during the season,” he said.