In response to complaints from consumer activists and organic farmers, the Food Safety Department has strengthened its drive against traders who use harmful chemicals to ripen fruits.
In a week’s time, around 1,000 kilogram of artificially ripened fruits, mostly mangoes, were seized from various locations in the district. The stock was destroyed on the spot after collecting samples for lab examination. The squad also held two persons who allegedly used the chemicals to ripen the fruits.
Food Safety Department sources said the two persons were found using calcium carbide to ripen mangoes. “The consumption of such fruits causes several health problems such as vomiting, diarrhoea, burning sensation of chest, burning in the eyes, eye damage, ulcers and sore throat. It can even lead to cancer and severe complications as a result of regular use,” they said.
The members of the squad said the searches would continue in the district. The use of calcium carbide has been banned under the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011. “The artificially ripened fruits can be identified by examining the difference in colour and the green and yellow patches around the surface,” they added.
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