HYDERABAD, April 2026: Authorities in Hyderabad have recently intensified action against the illegal ripening of mangoes using harmful chemicals, seizing large quantities of fruit and arresting traders involved in the practice.
According to multiple reports, police seized around 200 kilograms of mangoes that were allegedly ripened using banned chemicals. Officials arrested a trader linked to the illegal activity during raids conducted at storage facilities and godowns.
Authorities reported that traders stored raw mangoes in closed and enclosed spaces and used chemical agents such as calcium carbide, often in the form of sachets or packets, to accelerate ripening before distributing them in local markets. During the raids, enforcement teams recovered substances suspected to be calcium carbide, along with materials used for artificial ripening.
Officials stated that the crackdown covered several parts of the city and targeted supply chains ahead of the mango season, when demand increases and illegal ripening practices tend to rise.
Authorities reiterated that calcium carbide is prohibited for fruit ripening under Indian food safety regulations. Calcium carbide is banned under the Food Safety and Standards Regulations for use in fruit ripening. When it reacts with moisture, it releases acetylene gas, which may contain toxic impurities such as arsenic and phosphorus.
Scientific literature has documented these health effects. Studies report that exposure to calcium carbide and its byproducts can lead to:
Irritation of the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes
Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and vomiting
Neurological symptoms including headache, dizziness, and confusion in higher exposure
These effects are primarily associated with exposure to contaminated fruits or handling of carbide-treated produce. Research has also shown that carbide exposure may lead to broader systemic toxicity with repeated exposure. Because of these risks, regulatory authorities continue surveillance to prevent contaminated fruits from entering the food supply.
Police and food safety authorities have issued public warnings against the sale and consumption of artificially ripened mangoes. Officials stated that strict legal action will be taken against traders who use banned chemicals.
Enforcement teams have increased inspections across:
Warehouses and storage godowns
Wholesale fruit markets
Distribution points across the city
Authorities also highlighted that artificial ripening is often carried out in poorly ventilated spaces, increasing the risk of chemical exposure for both handlers and consumers.
Authorities stated that inspections and surveillance will continue throughout the season to prevent chemically treated fruits from entering markets.
Hyderabad Police Commissioner V. C. Sajjanar also issued a public advisory warning consumers about the risks of chemically ripened mangoes. He cautioned that fruits with an unnaturally bright and uniform appearance may have been artificially ripened using hazardous chemicals such as calcium carbide.
He noted that naturally ripened mangoes usually do not have a uniform colour, while chemically treated fruits may appear yellow on the outside but remain unripe internally. The advisory also warned that consumption of such fruits may lead to symptoms such as throat irritation, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, with potential long-term health effects including neurological and respiratory complications.
Officials further urged consumers not to rely solely on appearance or labels such as “organic” and to verify the source of fruits before purchase. Citizens were encouraged to report suspected cases of adulterated mangoes to local authorities, including Dial 100 and designated helpline numbers.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India states that:
Calcium carbide is banned for ripening fruits due to associated health risks
Ethylene gas is permitted under controlled conditions, as it is a natural plant hormone that regulates ripening
According to the FSSAI guidance note on artificial ripening:
Consumers should purchase fruits from known sellers or reputed dealers who declare that fruits have not been ripened using harmful or banned chemicals.
The guidance document focuses on regulation and safe practices and does not provide validated home-based methods to detect artificially ripened fruits.
Authorities emphasized that increased demand during the mango season can lead to higher use of unsafe ripening methods. Officials advised consumers to remain cautious and purchase fruits from reliable sources.
Public advisories also highlighted that consumers should be cautious of mangoes with unusual colour, chemical odour, or abnormal taste, as these may indicate artificial ripening practices.
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. Artificial Ripening of Fruits: Ethylene Gas – A Safe Fruit Ripener (Guidance Note No. 04/2018, Revised 2020). New Delhi: FSSAI, 2020.
https://fssai.gov.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/Guidance_Note_Ver2_Artificial_Ripening_Fruits_03_01_2019_Revised_10_02_2020.pdf
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. FSSAI Alerts Fruit Traders to Ensure Compliance with Prohibition of Calcium Carbide in Fruit Ripening. Press Information Bureau, May 18, 2024.
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2021025
Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India. Use of Chemicals and Pesticides for Ripening of Fruits. Press Information Bureau, September 18, 2020.
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1656141
(Rh/MSM)