VISAKHAPATNAM: Following orders from the High Court to keep a vigil over the practice of artificial ripening of fruits, the officials from Food Safety Department conducted surprise raids at the wholesale fruit godowns in Poorna Market area of the city on Tuesday and checked the presence of calcium carbide content in the stocks of fruits. Though a few apples coated in paracrine wax were recovered, the raid ended on a positive note as the officials confirmed zero usage of carbide.
The team led by assistant food controller Hanumanthu Rao, the officials in eight groups conducted the checks. Apart from the warehouses, various shops in the market were also inspected. The officials also sensitised the traders and shopkeepers over the adverse effects of the chemical usage.
District food safety officer Sheikh Ghouse Mohinuddin said: “Some samples of paracrine waxed apples which we found during the raid have been sent for testing. But overall we are happy with the fact that none of the traders has been using carbide.”
However, the officials announced that the raid would be continued as the mango season was nearing. The traders will be booked on the spot if any adulteration is found, officials added.