Hyderabad, April 3 (IANS) The Hyderabad Food Adulteration Surveillance Team (H-FAST), a special unit of Hyderabad Police to check food adulteration, is maintaining a strict vigil on the sale of chemically ripened mangoes.

Hyderabad Police Commissioner V. C. Sajjanar, who heads H-FAST, said on Friday that legal action is being initiated against those who violate the rules.

He urged the public not to be deceived by the outward appearance of the fruit and to verify its naturalness before purchasing.

Be cautious of mangoes that have an unnatural colour, a chemical odour, or a strange taste. If there are unusual spots on the skin or if the colour changes unexpectedly when washed with baking soda water, realise that they are harmful to your health, he said.

People having information regarding adulterated mangoes may report it to Dial 100 or contact the H-FAST helpline at 8712661212.

“The king of fruits is back on our plates, but people are advised to exercise caution and avoid being misled by chemically ripened mangoes. They should also be wary of those sold under the label of organic,” the Police Commissioner said in a social media post.

He urged consumers to verify the authenticity of the produce before making a purchase.

“With the onset of summer, the mango has begun to flood the markets. However, citizens must not overlook the deadly danger lurking behind these mouth-watering fruits. Driven by a greed for profit, some unscrupulous traders are risking public lives. Instead of allowing mangoes to ripen naturally, they are being artificially ripened using Calcium Carbide and other hazardous chemicals,” he said.

The Police Commissioner cautioned people that purchasing fruits solely because they look shiny and golden on roadside stalls is essentially inviting illness into your home.

“Typically, a naturally ripened mango does not have a perfectly uniform colour. In contrast, chemically ripened fruits appear bright yellow on the outside but remain raw and toxic on the inside. Medical experts warn that consuming such fruits can lead to immediate health issues like throat irritation, nausea, vomiting, and Diarrhea. In the long run, it may also lead to severe complications such as nervous system damage and respiratory problems,” he said.

Sajjanar stated that the Hyderabad Police are already taking a stern stand against such traders who play with public health.

Police recently established a food adulteration surveillance team to strengthen food safety enforcement and regulatory action.

–IANS

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