The VMSS Health Department carried out a surprise raid in Khanderao market today.
The VMSS Health Department officials found that 3 shops have been selling fruits, including the seasonal favourite mangoes, that have been artificially ripened with Ethylene. A total of 47 shops were checked and 155 kg of perishable fruits like mangoes, papaya, kiwi, and oranges were destroyed.
No pouches of calcium carbide were found, which has been banned to be used for ripening fruits in India because of the harmful side effects it has.
Though using Ethylene is not banned in India, an indiscriminate use of the chemical to ripen fruit is not good for health. Direct exposure of the fruits to Ethylene powder is not permitted. Use of high dosage of Ethylene powder to ripen fruits may lead to nausea and stomach irritation.
