The team of officials from Food Control Wing and the Analysts from State Food Laboratory cracked the whip against the fruit agents today at Gaddi Annaram Agricultural Market Yard, also known as Kothapet Fruit Market for using chemical substance ‘ethephon’ for artificial ripening of mangoes and other fruits beyond permissible limits.
The officials imposed fines on atleast 13 fruit agents for carrying unhealthy and harmful practices despite several warnings and edifications in the past. “We have carried out a surprise inspection today and find the same unruly practices being continued by the fruit agents and the labourers. Though the use of ‘ethephon’ is permissible for the artificial ripening of fruits with prescribed guidelines, they are flouting the rules by placing the sachets beyond prescribed limits under the fruits bags regardless of the safety principles that says the sachets should be kept under the boxes carefully so to avoid a direct contact with the fruit. However, the agents and labourers kept flouting the rules and the same was witnessed even today’s inspection. We have imposed penalties on 13 such agents varying from Rs.1,000/- to Rs.5,000/- for carrying out unhealthy practices by using extra chemical sachets against the prescribed limits which is completely detrimental to the health of the people. We even warned them that cases will be filed if they continue to violate the rules,” informed Laxminarayana Reddy, Senior Scientific Officer, State Food Laboratory.
It is learnt that the fruit agents at Kothapet Fruit Market soon pump in the support of local markets committee officials and hold a meeting together with the inspecting authorities to prevent them going further into action. During the meeting, the agents have assured the whipping authorities to not to take any further action and provide them yet another chance to mend ways. The officials were reportedly heard saying that next time they would file cases against fruit agents in the market yard as they are having the primary role to prevent such unhealthy practices that put peoples’ lives into jeopardy. Though the mango and sweet lime produce largely comes from Telangana region, the other fruits get into the market yard from other states.
It is said that a chemical compound called ‘ethephon’ is being used at Kothapet market to provide artificial repining not only to raw mangoes but for other fruits like pineapple and sweet lime/citrus that comes with a host of health benefits. However, the agri-experts says the use of ethephon leaves its chemical traces behind that turns the fruit into a bunch of health problems instead of providing health benefits.
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“The most commonly used chemical for artificial ripening is called ethephon (2-chloroethylphosphonic acid). It penetrates into the fruit and decomposes ethylene. Similarly, calcium carbide, another chemical used regularly, produces acetylene which is an analogue of ethylene. It is, however, fraught with several problems. The studies have shown that it breaks down the organic composition of vitamins and other micronutrients,” explained Dr.Ch.Subba Raju, an agricultural expert.
The team that took part in the inspection consists of Food Safety Officer GHMC Megham, Junior Scientific Officer N.Ravindra, Food Safety Officer and Flying Squad member Dharmendra and Praveen Reddy Special Grade Secretary Agricultural Market Yard Gaddi Annaram.