BY MICHAEL FISHER
PANAJI: Consumers are foxed between the normal and the artificially ripened fruit, and are taken for a ride. Come June and imports of poisonous mangoes are dumped by the tonnes as the month of May ends the Goa mango crop. But for want of an analytical laboratory -- the nearest is in Bangalore -- scrupulous traders are taking advantage and dumping poisonous fruits into Goa.

In response to concerns about the potential risk of artificially ripened fruits especially mangoes, the FDA is planning to counter such traders with an advisory warning the consumers, informed sources close to the FDA. “It is too early to disclose what action is being taken, but nevertheless, action is being worked out to counter scrupulous traders,” the FDA director, Mr Salim Veljee told The Navhind Times.
The mango trade from June to July is fraught with health hazards due to the artificial ripening of the fruits by wholesalers from outside the state who pass it on to vendors in early morning hours offloading it at sites known only to vendors and the importers, said mango traders.
From doctors in Panaji and Margao, The Navhind Times has learnt that an artificially ripened mango by ethane, calcium carbide and ethephon chemicals changes its colour to grayish dark spots. This is also the time when mangoes are less costly. Consuming artificially ripened mangoes has its effects which take place after eight to 10 days. Doctors said it distresses the neurological system resulting in symptoms such as headache, dizziness, mood disturbances, sleepiness, mental confusion and seizures. The effects may cause memory lapses and cerebral edema.
For want of an analytical laboratory in Goa, the cause of the symptoms is yet to be proven by consuming artificially ripened fruits, said Mr Raj Vidya of Hindu Pharmacy. Though serious complaints have been made to the authorities, the trade goes on unchecked.
A trader, refusing to disclose his name, said the Panaji to Ponda highway could be offloading sites, but this route could change to avoid the FDA inspectors. It takes about four days for mangoes to ripen the natural way with hay and rice, but by using the harmful chemical, it gives the fruit a misleading ripening look, healthy yellow colour appearance with patches of grey spots in less than one day, the source said.
He said the watermelon, which tempts the consumer by its luscious plump redness, is cut to display its bright redness, which has been apparently injected with a red colour dye that could be toxic. Apples with an unusual sheen are due to wax applied on it. Artificially ripened fruits become tasteless. Using artificial methods of ripening fruit is punishable under law, as it falls under the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act.
To be on the safe side it is advised to wash fruits and vegetables in a bowl full of water in which a tablespoon of salt is added with a lime squeezed in it. Allow the fruits to float in the sink for five or seven minutes before rinsing them with plain water and then draining them in a colander. Allow to dry and then consume.