Be Careful before you buy Mangoes

Pallavaram Market mangoes, most of them openly matured artificially with banned calcium carbide before reaching your fruit basket through the retailer.

Yesterday authorities have conducted a raid and destroyed all of 'em.

This being the prime mango season be careful before falling into the pit.

Indian express Info:

Though Section 44-A of the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1955, prohibits the use of carbide for ripening fruits, many use it — a kg of calcium carbide can be had for Rs 32.


Retailers said less than 50 grams of carbide is needed to ripen 10 kg mangoes over two or three days. And experts said carbide is extremely hazardous, for it may contain traces of arsenic and phosphorus hydride — if not treated in time, arsenic or phosphorus poisoning can turn fatal.

BE CAREFUL PEOPLE !!!!

hi nandu,

It is happening for the past 4 years. and we surely would not know where u it is from when it comes from your local guy.

This is what i do...first wash it with a mild soap solution...then rinse it 2/4 times...please don't laugh....

Dear Shanvy,

We wash fruit and vegetables thoroughly in my home too...and my husband washes them with soap and water. I raise my eyebrows and keep quiet. But then, looks like he is right and I needed you to make me see that.:))))

L, Kamla

Hi all,

The adulteration acts not only happen in India but also in US. We usually get apples in costco(Sanfrancisco). One day i was talking with my neighbour with an apple in my hand. Without my knowledge i was scratching the outer skin of the apple with my nails while talking. I felt something sticky in my fingers and when i had a glance i noticed wax coming out from the apple.Both were really shocked. I checked the other apples to and came to know nearly 10 out of 15 were coated with wax. So i always drop them in hot water, clean it with a hand towel or tissue and then consume.

hi nandu,


thanks for the info. i will let my parents know about this. one more question just washing removes all the hazard from the fruit or what? thanks for sharing here

hi cinduja,

i have also experienced that. i have been thinking that they might have applied oil or something to make it appear little shiny. thanks for the info.