About five tonnes of mangoes, which were being ripened using calcium carbide stones at three locations at the Gandhi Market in the city, were seized and destroyed by officials of the Tiruchirapalli City Corporation here on Tuesday. Corporation officials conducted checks at over dozen mango shops at the market and mangoes which were being ripened using calcium carbide stones were seized from two shops and a house used as a godown.
Corporation officials conducted the raids on getting instructions from District Collector Jayashree Muralidharan, who personally raided a few godowns at Mambazhasalai in the city about 10 days ago. About 18 tonnes of mangoes were seized and destroyed then.
City Health Officer S. Mariappan, who supervised the operation at the Gandhi Market on Tuesday, said a report would be sent to the district administration recommending action against the offenders under provisions of the Indian Penal Code and the Food Safety Act.
Use of calcium carbide to ripen mangoes is an offence under the Food Safety and Standards Act. Checks have been conducted at 83 godowns and shops to check the use of chemicals and nearly 19 tonnes of mangoes ripened using carbide stone have been seized so far this season.
Call 2333330
Eating fruits ripened using the calcium carbide might have serious health implications for the consumers. Common symptoms reported after eating such fruits are diarrhoea, vomiting, and eye and skin irritations, according to officials. Complaints with respect to food safety can be lodged with the department by dialling 2333330,
