In a significant crackdown on food adulteration, the Food Safety Division and Health Department of the Vellore Corporation seized one tonne of artificially ripened mangoes during a surprise inspection at the historic Vellore fruit market on Thursday.
Led by P.K. Kailesh, Designated Officer (Food Safety), the raid was launched after consumer complaints flagged the use of harmful chemical agents—carbide and ethylene—to ripen mangoes prematurely. The seized fruits were traced to wholesale traders operating from the British-era fruit market, which is considered the second-largest wholesale mango hub in Tamil Nadu after Salem.
“Some vendors ripen mangoes artificially to sell more stocks quickly before the end of the season,” said P. Gnanavel, President of the Vellore All Traders Association.
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Over 30 wholesale traders in the market source mangoes from surrounding districts including Ranipet, Tirupattur, Krishnagiri, and Tiruvannamalai. With the mango season peaking between April and July, the town sees a daily inflow of around 1,000 tonnes of mangoes, much of which is sold locally or sent to fruit pulp factories in Krishnagiri and Chittoor (Andhra Pradesh).
S. Rajesh, Vellore Food Safety Officer, stressed the health hazards of chemical ripening, stating that awareness campaigns are underway to educate both retailers and wholesalers on safe practices. The seized stock has been removed from circulation, and further action is expected against the violators.
💡 Why it matters:
Chemically ripened fruits not only pose serious health risks—including respiratory issues, stomach problems, and potential long-term toxicity—but also violate India’s food safety laws. The raid signals a proactive step by the authorities to protect consumers during the peak fruit season.
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