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Vellore Corporation’s Food Safety Division and Health Department launched a surprise raid on Thursday and seized one tonne of artificially ripened mangoes from the city’s wholesale fruit market. Acting on consumer complaints, officials discovered that traders were using banned chemicals to hasten fruit ripening.

Traders Source Mangoes from Neighbouring Districts

Over 30 wholesale mango traders operate from the historic British-era fruit market in Vellore. These traders bring in mangoes from farming villages in Ranipet, Tirupattur, Krishnagiri, and Tiruvannamalai. “Vellore is the second-largest wholesale mango market in Tamil Nadu after Salem,” said S. Rajesh, Food Safety Officer. “The market handles massive volumes of mangoes between April and July.”

Food Safety Team Cracks Down on Chemical Ripening

Led by Designated Officer P.K. Kailesh, the enforcement team from the Food Safety Department inspected shops and warehouses, following reports that vendors were using calcium carbide and ethylene to ripen mangoes unnaturally. “These chemicals pose serious health risks, and their use is banned,” said Kailesh. “Our inspections aim to curb these practices before the peak of the mango season.” Many vendors resort to chemical ripening to sell their stock faster and maximise profits before the season ends. “This helps them move larger quantities quickly, but it compromises safety,” said P. Gnanavel, president of the Vellore All Traders Association. He added that the association is working to educate traders on safer alternatives and legal compliance.

Massive Daily Mango Influx Raises Concerns

On average, Vellore receives over 1,000 tonnes of mangoes daily for local consumption and resale. After fulfilling local demand, a significant share is sent to fruit pulp factories in Krishnagiri and Chittoor (Andhra Pradesh) for making juices and processed mango products. Officials have reiterated the dangers of chemical ripening and have stepped up efforts to raise awareness among traders. The Food Safety Department plans to conduct more surprise inspections throughout the season to ensure consumer safety and prevent the illegal use of ripening agents.

Source: The Hindu