Forbidden fruits for sale

Rasika Somarathna

*CMC destroys over 300 kgs ‘adulterated’ fruit

*Fruit sellers under CMC’s microscope

Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) health officials will keep an eye on Manning market wholesale and retail fruit sellers who adulterate to ripen and preserve fruit. Over 300 kgs of fruit identified not suitable for human consumption were destroyed during the weekend, Chief Medical Officer Dr Pradeep Kariyawasam said. Under the 1980 Food Act, persons who breach this law can be fined while an order can be obtained to produce food outlet owners before Courts.

CMC officials will produce in Court 18 wholesale and retail dealers from Pettah who sold out dated food, salt without iodine, spoilt fruit, tea and certain chemicals to ripen fruit prematurely, Dr Kariyawasam said. Around 114 stalls in Manning Market came under CMC health official’s inspection during the weekend.

Accordingly, 86 samples of tea, chili powder, fruit, vegetables etc are under the microscope. Another 80 samples of dried fish, prawns, sprats and fruit are under the scanner to determine whether harmful chemicals in the form of colourings are used to make the food more attractive. The outcome of the above investigations may land more dealers in court, sources said.

According to Dr Kariyawasam, authorities will take a close look at chemicals used to ripen food prematurely and preserve them. Certain chemicals used to add colour too would come under scrutiny as some have been found to be unhealthy.

Dr Kariyawasam yesterday noted that with the intention of ensuring food safety, CMC enforcement staff of the CMC have been advised to keep a strict vigil on malpractices.According to sources, authorities believe fruit, especially mangoes and banana, are artificially ripened by using carbide gas.