A team of officers of enforcement wing of the Drug and Food Control Organisation (D&FCO) carried out surprise raids of godowns of various fruit sellers in Narwal Fruit Mandi. The exercise was carried out amidst media reports that some fruit vendors were using calcium carbide for ripening of fruits especially mangoes and papayas. The team on physical verification found that the complaint is genuine and recovered the chemical from the vendors. Samples of fruits and adulterants were lifted on spot for chemical examination.
The stocks to the tune of 12 quintals suspected to be treated with calcium carbide were seized and destroyed after following due procedure. The vendors were told in clear terms not to indulge in such un-ethical practice as it can cause serious health risks. There is sufficient evidence to suggest that calcium carbide is a proven carcogenic agent, and as such any person indulging in use of calcium carbide for ripening purpose shall invite strict action under relevant provisions of law. The team comprising of Food Safety Officers Jammu Sh. Daleep Singh and Sh. Hans Raj carried out the above exercise under the overall supervision of Sh. Sanjeev Kumar, Assistant Controller Food, Municipality Jammu.
Controller, Drug & Food Control Organization Smt. Lotika Khajuria has appealed to the vendors to use only permitted methods for ripening the fruits. Further as an additional precaution any person having valid information/input about any clandestine activity related to such un-ethical practices being adapted anywhere for fruit ripening should contact the helpline of the department at phone No. 0191-2538527.
