One tonne of artificially ripened bananas seized and destroyed in Erode

Tamil Nadu officials seize and destroy one tonne of artificially ripened bananas in Erode market, taking legal action against traders.

Officials from the Tamil Nadu Food Safety and Drug Administration Department seized one tonne of artificially ripened bananas at the Nethaji Daily Vegetable and Fruit Market in Erode on Friday, and destroyed them.

Based on a tip-off, a team led by J. Thanga Vignesh, Designated Officer, along with food safety officers Kesavaraj, Selvan, Arunkumar, and Ezhil, inspected shops at 2 a.m. and found traders spraying ethephon solution to ripen bananas. The fruits in the wholesale market are sold to retailers and then to consumers across the district and nearby areas. One tonne of bananas was seized, transported to the Corporation’s compost yard in Vendipalayam, and destroyed. Additionally, samples of mangoes were collected for testing.

Speaking to the media, Mr. Thanga Vignesh explained that ethephon is a plant growth regulator and should not be used for artificially ripening bananas. He noted that the chemical is diluted in water and sprayed on the fruit to induce rapid ripening. The officer also stated that cases would be filed against three traders and that the department would conduct awareness programmes for fruit sellers next week.

The public can report food-related complaints via WhatsApp at 94440 42322 or through the Food Safety Department’s consumer app, he added.