Surat: The Health Department conducted raids in Surat's famous fruit market, Mahatma Gandhi Market, as reports of traders using carbide to ripen mangoes surfaced. The department destroyed a significant quantity of carbide-ripe mangoes and issued notices to the responsible traders.
The beginning of the mango season has been affected by the monsoon this year, and mangoes are now gradually making their way into the market. Mahatma Gandhi Market, located in a congested area of Surat, is well-known for offering a variety of seasonal fruits. Mango traders sell large quantities of the fruit during the season, attracting the attention of the health department.
Carbide, a hazardous chemical, is often used by traders to accelerate the ripening process of unripe mangoes, endangering the health of consumers. The health department keeps a close watch on these activities and conducts raids periodically to curb such practices.
Health officer Deepak Patel stated that the health department's food team inspected various stalls in the MG market. They discovered that some traders had used carbide to ripen mangoes, and subsequently seized the chemical and destroyed the affected mangoes. The traders were also warned about the dangers of using carbide and its detrimental effects on public health.
Patel further mentioned that the health department would continue monitoring the fruit market throughout the mango season. If carbide-ripe mangoes are found, notices will be issued to the traders, and fines will be imposed to deter such harmful practices.
