The Telangana State Food Laboratory has been conducting tests on fruit samples, for traces of carcinogenic calcium carbide, and ethephon pesticide; so far six varieties of fruits have failed tests and more results are expected in the coming days. The chemicals are used to artificially ripen many fruits, such as oranges, sweet limes and grapes.
The officials picked up more than 70 samples of fruits in raids on various fruit markets and retail shops in the city between February 18 and 20, and sent them for laboratory tests.
Last year a division bench of the Hyderabad High Court took up a suo motu case based on a news report on artificial ripening of fruits. The bench passed directions to the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana governments in September 2015 to come up with a comprehensive action plan to curb the artificial ripening of fruits by vendors in the two states.
Acting on the directions of the court, Telangana food safety department officials have conducted raids on fruit markets, sent samples to the food laboratory and taken up an awareness drive to curb usage of the chemicals for artificial ripening of fruits. Strawberry, papaya, apple, orange, pomegranate and some other fruits were sent for tests.
As an alternative to artificial ripening of fruits by using calcium carbide, the government will construct an ethylene chamber at the Gaddiannaram fruit market in Hyderabad by the end of March which will ensure that the fruits are ripened as per valid methods.
The state food safety department will launch a website which puts out information about the various forms of food adulteration and artificial ripening of fruits. Videos too will be uploaded to educate people on the issue.
