Hyderabad Police warn against chemically ripened mangoes in city markets

Hyderabad Police have issued an advisory warning citizens against chemically ripened mangoes in city markets, saying some traders are using calcium carbide for artificial ripening. Consumers were urged to stay vigilant and report suspected adulteration to police.

Hyderabad: With mangoes flooding city markets this summer, Hyderabad Police have issued a public advisory cautioning consumers against chemically ripened fruits that pose serious health risks.

Taking to social media on Friday, City Police Commissioner V. C. Sajjanar said some traders were illegally using substances like calcium carbide to artificially ripen mangoes for quick profits. “Such fruits often appear uniformly bright and attractive but may be unsafe for consumption,” he said.

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The commissioner noted that naturally ripened mangoes usually have uneven colouring, while chemically treated ones tend to look overly glossy, yellowish on the outside and unripe inside.

Medical experts warn that consuming such fruits can cause throat irritation, stomach disorders, vomiting and diarrhoea, besides long-term health complications affecting the nervous and respiratory systems.

The city police, along with food safety teams, are conducting inspections under the H-Fast initiative and initiating legal action against violators.

Citizens have been advised to remain vigilant and avoid fruits with unnatural colour, chemical odour or unusual taste.
Report suspected cases of adulteration by dialling 100 or contacting the H-Fast helpline at 8712661212.