During spot checks conducted in fruit stalls in Coimbatore on Wednesday, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) seized and destroyed 14.7 tons of artificially ripened fruits. The mango and sweet-lime fruits were seized after they were discovered to have been ripened in an illegal manner, using ethylene sachets.
According to recent research, ethylene affects the expression of numerous genes involved in fruit ripening. These enzymes break down complex polysaccharides into simple sugars, making the fruit's skin supple. Chemicals are used to replicate this process in artificial ripening.
The teams investigated 45 fruit vendors on Vysial Street, Big Bazaar Street, Karuppagounder Street, and Pavala Street I and II, according to a statement from the district government.
