Hyderabad cracks down on calcium carbide-ripened mangoes; top cop warns of health risks

As mango season hits Hyderabad markets, police and municipal teams have launched raids to curb the use of illegal ripening agents like calcium carbide, which pose serious health dangers.

On April 4 and 5, authorities arrested two wholesale traders accused of overusing chemicals on mangoes from Andhra Pradesh. One at Chudi Bazar was caught with excessive "Diamond Ripe Ethylene," leading to the seizure of over two dozen sachets and 7 tons of suspect mangoes from city warehouses. Samples are under lab testing.

Hyderabad Police Commissioner V C Sajjanar tasked the H-Fast (Hyderabad Food Adulteration Surveillance Team) with monitoring godowns, warehouses, and wholesale shops. "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," he urged.

Sajjanar highlighted telltale signs: "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." He warned on X that greedy traders prioritize profit over safety, using calcium carbide and hazards that cause throat irritation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea—and long-term nerve or respiratory damage.

“Purchasing fruits solely because they look shiny and golden on roadside stalls is essentially inviting illness into your home," he added. "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." Report suspicions to Dial 100 or H-Fast at 8712661212.

Traders from Mozamjahi Market's Wholesale Fruit Sellers Association defended the trade: "Fruit traders are allowed to use a certain amount of ripening agents that are not harmful. Some greedy traders may use excessive chemicals. We are mindful of the harm it can cause, and we do not use anything in excess. Based on the colour of the fruit, customers can easily make out if it has chemicals or ripening agents on it."

Markets like Gaddi Annaram near Boduppal brim with 25+ varieties from Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. Officials urge sellers to flag unsafe agent peddlers and are collecting more samples.