The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Raid on fruit godowns, shops; artificially-ripened mangoes seized

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Saturday, May 24, 2008
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Raid on fruit godowns, shops; artificially-ripened mangoes seized

Staff Reporter

These fruits will cause mouth ulcers, gastric problems

— Photo: E. Lakshmi Narayanan

Health hazard: Salem Corporation officials seized artificially-ripened mangoes in Salem on Friday.

SALEM: A team of Salem Corporation officials raided fruit godowns and shops in various parts of Salem city and seized large quantity of artificially-ripened mangoes.

The civic body initiated a drive following repeated complaints from the public that many traders in the city were using chemicals to ripen the mangoes, turning the king of fruits hazardous for health.

Many vendors are opting for chemicals such as calcium carbide to ripen the fruit and enjoy the windfall. They store the raw mangoes with calcium carbide to turn them into golden yellow ones.

Health officials here point out that eating fruits, which are artificially ripened, will put the consumer at risk of developing mouth ulcers, gastric problems and rashes.

Officials raided godowns and shops in First Agraharam, Chinna Kadai Veethi, Periya Kadai Veethi and a few other places in the city and seized artificially-ripened mangoes. Corporation Commissioner M. Jayaraman said that the civic body would continue to conduct surprise raids and monitor the fruit trade closely.

Notices would be served to all the fruit traders in the city directing them not to resort to such practices. The civic administration would also initiate legal action against the traders who were found artificially ripening the mangoes.

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