Corporation officials seized seven tonnes of artificially ripened mangoes during a surprise raid conducted in 19 shops in the city on Wednesday night. The seized mangoes were destroyed by the sanitary workers on Thursday.

Corporation Commissioner S. Sebastine said that the mangoes had been artificially ripened using calcium carbide. Inspecting the seized mangoes at the Corporation vehicles yard, he showed the chemicals that were dumped along with the mangoes, packed in newspapers.

Stating that consuming artificially ripened mangoes was hazardous to health, he said that in the initial stage they could cause ulcers. “They are carcinogenic in nature when consumed for long,” he warned. He said that it would be difficult for the people to differentiate between mangoes ripened naturally and through artificial means.

Mr. Sebastine said that Corporation officials would continue to raid such shops. “We will initiate penal action against those who repeatedly indulge in adulteration,” he said. The Commissioner also instructed City Health Officer V. Subramanian to probe the chemical dealers who illegally sold calcium carbide to the fruit merchants. The fruits were seized from shops in Yanaikkal, East Masi Street, North Masi Street and North Marret Street. The value of the destroyed fruits is estimated to be Rs. 1.40 lakh. Chief Engineer K. Sakthivel was present.

Source: thehindu.com

Publication date: 6/4/2010