Investigating the Hazardous Nature of Mangoes in India: Uncovering the Controversial Measures Taken in the Fruit Market Regulation
In India, the Food and Safety Authority (FTA) has seized a significant number of mangoes from various markets due to their use of the banned ripening agent, calcium carbide. A study in 2022 revealed that more than 68% of mangoes sold during peak season in the country contained traces of this chemical.
Calcium carbide, when employed for fruit ripening, can release potentially harmful substances such as arsenic and phosphorus. These chemicals can result in various health issues, including dizziness, thirst, skin irritation, and, in severe cases, even neurological damage with long-term exposure. This ripening agent, strictly speaking, is not food-safe, and its usage for this purpose is forbidden.
The concern arises from the fact that calcium carbide releases acetylene gas when it reacts with water, which can be hazardous to human health. This gas can cause dizziness, thirst, irritation, and skin ulcers, and over time is linked to stomach ulcers, vomiting, digestive distress, respiratory issues, and neurological damage. It is also a known carcinogen.
To protect your family from consuming carbide-ripened mangoes, be vigilant when shopping for these fruits. Color is a key indicator: if the mango is uniformly bright yellow, with no greenish tints, it is potentially artificially ripened. A natural mango has a mix of green and yellow patches, showing a gradual transition in color.
Other signs include a lack of natural aroma, an absence of any scent near the stem, which signals chemical ripening. Artificially ripened mangoes may also feel mushy, have chalky or rubbery textures, and develop black spots or burns on the skin. In contrast, natural mangoes are firm, with hidden soft patches.
When buying mangoes, avoid those with a uniform ripeness or those sold off-season as they are usually artificially ripened. Choose trustworthy sources such as organic farms, government-certified outlets, or reputable vendors, and if you come across unusually perfect fruit, it is advisable to avoid it.
Ultimately, this issue goes beyond just mangoes; it's about the daily toxins we unknowingly ingest. To ensure your family's safety, opt for local and seasonal fruits and always choose trusted sources when purchasing. By carefully examining the appearance, scent, texture, and taste of mangoes, you can avoid carbide-ripened fruits and safeguard your family's well-being.
- The health-and-wellness implications of consuming mangoes ripened with calcium carbide, a banned ripening agent, can lead to various Health issues such as dizziness, thirst, skin irritation, and potentially severe neurological damage after long-term exposure.
- It is crucial to understand that general-news about the FTA's seizure of mangoes is not just a simple food-and-drink concern; it pertains to the safety of our health and lifestyle, as calcium carbide is a known carcinogen.
- To safeguard your family's health, be vigilant when purchasing mangoes; look for a mix of green and yellow patches, a natural aroma, and avoid those with uniform bright yellow color or a lack of scent near the stem.
- To ensure that your family is not ingesting daily toxins unknowingly, choose local and seasonal fruits from trusted sources such as organic farms, government-certified outlets, or reputable vendors to maintain your family's nutrition and overall lifestyle.
