Telangana Government has exhorted consumers to be on the watch for fruit ripened using Calcium Carbide which could cause various health problems to those who consume them.
Acting on the High Court’s interim direction to spread awareness among public through media, the Health and Family Welfare Principal Secretary Rajeshwar Tiwari addressed a press conference here on Wednesday and said the Government will soon come up with large-scale awareness programme about ill effects of carbide-ripened fruit.
Action will be initiated against those selling such fruits as per the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2011, he said. Alternative provisions include building a large Ethylene ripening chamber at the Gaddi Annaram Agricultural Market Yard at the cost of Rs.60 lakh and assisting six more chambers volunteered by private wholesalers, Mr.Tiwari informed.
A presentation by officials from the Institute of Preventive Medicine cautioned consumers against purchasing fruits such as mango and banana which are overtly soft and flavourless, with spotless yellow skin and green stem, and without the sweet aroma, all of which are characteristic of carbide-ripened fruit.
