Mangoes worth Rs 69,000 were destroyed by the State Food and Drugs Control Administration (FDA) on Monday evening for being contaminated by artificial ripening agent, calcium carbide.

Acting on information from sources, the FDA raided the shops at Guruwar Peth and Shukrawar Peth and found sachets of the chemical in the mango boxes in these shops.

Joint Commissioner of the FDA,Sanjay Patil, told The Indian Express that after analysing the content of the sachets, cases have been registered against the owners in the area. “This is common during the summers and we usually conduct the raids in this season. Last year too there were several such cases,’’ he said.

As calcium carbide is used as an artificial ripening agent which is against the rules, he said that the white powder once dissolved in water releases acetylene accelerating the ripening process. Studies say this degrades the neurological system affecting eyes, skin, lungs, memory leading to hypoxia. “This is against the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act under rule 44 AA where artificial ripening agents are not permitted,’’ said food inspector Mohan Kembalkar who conducted the raids.