Chemically ripened fruits seized from Koyambedu market

According to a food safety official, the raid was conducted following a tip-off. “The raid was conducted along with the officials from Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) and Market Management Committee (MMC),” the official said.

During the raid, the officials found more than 2 tonnes of sapota (chiku) fruit, which were artificially ripened. “The fruits were ripened by using calcium carbide stones. We also seized 9.5 kg of the chemical and the seized fruits are worth Rs 1.25 lakh.”

Also, the food safety officials also sealed two fruit shops stocking artificially ripened fruits. The seized fruits were dumped in landfills. “We have warned the other shop owners of strict action if they use harmful calcium carbide to ripen the fruit faster,” the official added.