MCC cracks whip on vendors, mangoes to be chemical-free this year

Mysuru: This year, mango lovers can relish their favourite fruit without any fear of harmful chemicals which are used for artificial ripening.
A variety of chemicals, including calcium carbide, are used for artificial ripening of the fruit. According to authorities from the food safety wing of the health department, this year the traders have agreed not to use calcium carbide and instead they will be using ethylene gas, which is cheap and user-friendly. According to authorities, ethylene gas is permitted for fruit ripening.

According to fruit vendors in the city, the health department and the corporation officials have issued stern warning to them against using any powder for ripening the fruit at mango mandis. “Instead, we have been asked to opt for organic methods of ripening,” said Maqsood Khan, owner of MK Fruits on NM Rao Circle in the city.

He told TOI that the health department authorities have warned them against using any chemical for ripening. “Mango has arrived in the city’s markets. We have been asked to use organic methods and gas. So this year the vendors are not using any harmful chemicals,” he said.

According to Dr Chidambara, in-charge officer, FSSAI, Mysuru, use of ethylene gas is permitted for mango ripening. “It is a cheaper alternative when compared to calcium carbide. So, the vendors and stockists are using it. But if we come across any instance of the use of calcium carbide, we will initiate action. But due to various reasons, including awareness, calcium carbide usage has come down,” he said.

As expected, mango lovers in the city are happy. “All these years, people were slowly moving away from fruit due to fear of calcium carbide. Hope the health department has kept an eagle’s eye on the vendors to ensure that they don’t use any harmful chemicals to ripen the fruit,” said Sharada Subbaiah, a resident of Hosabandikeri.