Hyderabad: Following a rise in complaints against fruit vendors and traders for using harmful chemicals to ripen fruits, the Hyderabad police launched a crackdown on godowns on Thursday. At least eight people were arrested during the crackdown.
In south zone, around 250 police personnel conducted raids at 22 fruit godowns. The police registered seven cases, under 420 (cheating), 272 (adulteration of food or drink intended for sale) and 273 (sale of noxious food or drink) of Indian Penal Code against the traders.
During the raids, police found that chemicals not fit for human consumption were being used. While bananas were washed with shampoo so that they appear shiny, calcium carbide was used to ripen mangoes, chikoo and papaya. Artificial colours and sweets were used to make watermelon shinier and sweeter.
Inappropriate use of these chemicals can cause serious health problems like cancer. The Hyderabad High Court had also asked the government to initiate action against fruit traders and vendors who used harmful chemicals for ripening fruits.
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