Food Safety / Chemical-ripened bananas raise health concerns in Baleshwar ahead of festive season

Baleshwar, Nov 3: As Odisha enters the festive season, when the demand for fruits rises sharply, alarming visuals from Baleshwar's Phandi Chhak fruit market have raised serious concerns over food safety and public health. Traders were allegedly found applying chemical substances directly on raw bananas to accelerate ripening before selling them in the market.

What begins as a bunch of green bananas at night reportedly turns into bright yellow fruit by the next morning, ready for retail sale. The practice has triggered questions about regulatory oversight and the safety of fruits reaching consumers' households.

Unsafe Shortcut

According to locals, traders are using chemicals to hasten the ripening process and improve the appearance of bananas. Residents complain that such practices are being carried out openly despite concerns over potential health risks.

The issue has gained attention at a time when fruit consumption typically increases during festivals. Consumers purchasing bananas under the assumption that they are naturally ripened may unknowingly be exposing themselves to harmful substances.

Citizens have questioned why food safety authorities have not intervened despite the alleged open use of ripening chemicals in the marketplace. The absence of visible enforcement has added to concerns over consumer protection.

Doctors Raise Red Flag

Health experts have warned that chemically treated fruits may adversely affect human health. According to medical professionals, substances used for artificial ripening can cause illness and may pose greater risks to children and elderly people.

Doctors caution that consumption of such fruits could lead to skin-related ailments and infections, apart from other health complications. They stress the importance of monitoring fruit markets and preventing the sale of fruits treated with harmful chemicals.
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Demand for Action

The alleged use of banned or unsafe ripening agents has sparked demands for immediate inspections and stricter enforcement by the Food Safety Department. Consumers and residents have urged authorities to conduct regular market checks and take action against violators.

With public health at stake, the controversy has once again highlighted the need for stronger vigilance in food markets, especially during festive seasons when demand surges and the temptation for quick profits often increase.