The State Food Laboratory Officials reported 90% of the fruits sold in Hyderabad are laced with chemicals. The news comes after the officials made a surprise raid at the Kothapet fruit market.
On Monday, officials raided the biggest fruit market in the city to find Ethylene powder used to ripen the fruits. Most of the fruits that come to Hyderabad first go to the Kothapet market and then get distributed to vendors.
The State Food Laboratory Officials stated they found Ethylene powder packets in boxes of mangoes. The authorities collected samples of the artificially ripened fruits to test them.
The tests proved the chemicals had Calcium Carbide which is a dangerous chemical used as a fertilizer and can cause digestive problems. The officials explained Ethylene is safe if used in the gas form but highly dangerous if the powder is used.
The vendors argue the Ethylene was cleared by customs. They further added that the ripening chamber was only 60 tonnes while they needed to ripen 2,000 tonnes of fruits.
The officials will take strict action and ensure this ripening method is not used again. Unfortunately, washing the fruits removes only 30% of the chemicals.
