Health Alert: Illegal Mango Ripening Raided

In Hyderabad, authorities have uncovered a scheme of unsafe chemical ripening of mangoes as the fruit season begins. Goshamahal Police arrested a 32-year-old trader for allegedly using excessive ethylene ripener to speed up the ripening process for illegal profit. During a raid, police confiscated 200 kg of mangoes along with chemical ripener sachets.

Food safety regulations permit only five sachets of ethylene ripener per 20 kg of mangoes. However, the arrested trader was reportedly using six sachets for every 20 kg tray, exceeding the limits set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. A case has been filed against him for food adulteration and endangering public health.

Officials are warning the public against purchasing mangoes that appear uniformly bright yellow, as these may be chemically ripened. Naturally ripened mangoes tend to have uneven coloration. Consumption of chemically ripened fruits can lead to various health issues, including stomach pain, diarrhea, and potential long-term effects on the nervous system and breathing.