Achi news desk-
GUWAHATI: The Food Safety Department conducted a drive against carbide-injected fruits at Fancy Bazaar on Wednesday, May 22. The officials seized about 50 kilograms of mangoes which were found to contain harmful chemicals.
The operation, which focused on cracking down on unsafe food practices, included a thorough inspection of the fruit shops in Guwahati’s bustling Fancy Bazaar area.
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Speaking to GPlus, Anil Sharma, Food Safety Inspector said, "We make these trips 2-3 times a month. This morning we found around 50 kilograms of carbide laden mangoes at GMC Fancy Bazaar. We took samples and sent them to the lab for testing. These fruits will be destroyed."
Calcium carbide is used to ripen fruits such as mangoes.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has asked traders and food business operators not to use the banned product “calcium carbide” for cooking fruit. In an official statement the FSSAI said yes "Advise traders/fruit handlers/food business operators (FBOs) operating ripening cells to ensure strict compliance with ban on calcium carbide for artificial ripening of fruits, especially during mango season".
"Calcium carbide, commonly used to ripen fruits such as mangoes, releases acetylene gas, which contains harmful traces of arsenic and phosphorus.
Also Read: 12.50 Quintal’s Chemically Ripe Fruits Seized and Destroyed at Fancy Bazaar
"These substances, also known as ‘masala’, can cause serious health problems such as dizziness, frequent thirst, irritation, weakness, difficulty swallowing, vomiting and skin ulcers, etc." FSSAI said.
In addition, acetylene gas is equally dangerous for those who handle it.
"There are chances that calcium carbide may come into direct contact with fruits during application and leave residues of arsenic and phosphorus on the fruits," said the regulator.
