The bench suggested both AP and Telangana states to identify the areas from where the carbide chemical was being supplied to the vendors and take action against those responsible for it.
The bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Dilip B Bhosale and Justice P Naveen Rao was dealing with a PIL case which was taken up suo moto based on a news item published in a vernacular daily last year on rampant usage of the calcium carbide chemical for artificial ripening of fruits in AP and Telangana.
On earlier occasion, the bench asked both the states to come up with an action plan for implementation of suggestions, including establishment of "Ethylene chambers" for ripening the fruits by the stake holders concerned, made earlier by amicus curiae S Niranjan Reddy on the issue.
On Monday, the amicus curie brought to the notice of the court that there was an acute shortage of food safety officers (FSOs) in both the states when compared to other states of the country.
He also pointed out the governments' failure in establishment of "Ethylene chambers" in the market yards of respective states.
In fact, both the governments have failed to create awareness among the people on adverse effects of carbide fruits during the last two months, he alleged.
Special counsel for Telangana A Sanjeev Kumar submitted that the government has already asked the Telangana State Public Service Commission (TSPSC) to take steps for recruitment of food safety officers. Already, there are 20 FSOs in the state and notification will be issued shortly to fill another 23 posts, he added.
Special counsel for AP Ramesh told the bench that 28 FSOs are working in the state and proposals were sent to fill some more posts.
Not satisfied with the reply of the AP counsel, the bench pointed out that there was no progress in filling up the FSOs posts by AP government.
While posting the matter to Wednesday, the bench ordered for appearance of the principal secretary concerned to give explanation on the issue.
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