GUWAHATI: Food safety officials detected the alleged use of calcium carbide for artificial ripening of mangoes during a surprise surveillance drive conducted in Guwahati's Fancy Bazaar on Wednesday, June 3.
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According to a post on X, the inspection uncovered a stock of mangoes suspected to have been ripened using calcium carbide, a substance prohibited for fruit ripening due to health concerns. Following the detection, the entire stock was seized and destroyed at the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) dumping ground.
The post mentioned that a sample of the suspected calcium carbide was collected and sent for laboratory analysis. Further legal action will be initiated based on the test results and findings of the investigation.
The latest action comes a day after a separate inspection drive was carried out by the Food Safety Department in Bongaigaon district. On June 2, food safety officials inspected fruits, vegetables, greens and spices being sold at Paglasathan Bazar as part of ongoing efforts to monitor food quality and safety standards.
During the inspection, officials also collected samples of various fruits and vegetables for quality assessment. The samples will be tested to determine whether they contain any harmful or unauthorised chemical substances and to ensure compliance with food safety standards.
Authorities have intensified surveillance across markets in Assam to curb the use of banned substances in food products and ensure consumer safety.