Artificially ripened mangoes seized in Tuticorn

Tuticorin: About 7.5 tonnes of artificially ripened mangoes were seized today from a godown near the bus stand by health department officials.

M Jagadish Chandrabose, Designated Officer, Food Safety and Standards Act, Tuticorin,who led the team,said the mangoes were ripened using banned calcium carbide, a prohibited substance. Its chemical residue could easily penetrate the mangoes, leading to severe health disorders, he said.

He cautioned consumers to be cautious as intake of such mangoes could lead to ulcer, insomnia, brain dysfunction, nervous failure and also liver problem.

Chandrabose also warned of stringent action against those who indulge in such unlawful activity.