Fruits and vegetables constitute a key food commodity. Toxic and hazardous chemicals like calcium carbide or ethephon and oxytocin are reportedly being used for artificial ripening of fruits and for increasing the size of fruits and vegetables, respectively. Calcium carbide more commonly known as ‘masala’ is carcinogenic and banned under PFA Rules, 1955. Ethephon is a pesticide; so not recommended as a ripening enhancer. Oxytocin is a mammalian hormone used as a drug in veterinary services; its application is not advised in fresh fruits and vegetables.
Advice to consumers
- Select fruits and vegetables without spots or necrosis (lesions) and any abnormality.
- Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly with water (preferably) running potable water before eating and cooking.
- Purchase fruits and vegetables from known dealers.
- Peeling of fruits before consumption and vegetables before cooking will reduce exposure to pesticide.
- Do not buy and consume cut fruits from open market.
- Throw away fruits and vegetables infected by mould/fungus.
- To minimize the hazards of pesticide residues, discard the outer leaves of leafy vegetables such as lettuce and cabbage.
- Do not wash fruits and vegetables with detergents as they may get absorbed inside.
- Ensure the quality of fruits and vegetables by sending them to voluntary testing laboratories.
- Wash your hands with soap and potable water, use clean utensil and clean cutting board with stainless steel knives.
Source: Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
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