Juicy and delicious summer fruits such as mango, litchi, jackfruit, blackberry, musk melon and pineapple have flooded the markets across the country in the ongoing Bangla month of Jaistha, known as ‘Madhumash’. With the theme ‘Fale Pusti Ortha Besh-Smart Agriculture Bangladesh’ a three-day national fruit fair arranged on the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) premises at Khamarbari in the capital ended on Saturday.
Seasonal fruit traders set up makeshift shops at markets, village huts, bus terminals, railway stations and different points in the capital Dhaka, other metropolitan cities, district towns, upazila headquarters, and even village markets with eye-catching juicy and delicious fruits.
However, we fear that a section of traders might use chemicals to ripen fruits, including mango, litchi and jackfruit, before arrival of the summer fruits in the markets. The government must show a zero-tolerance policy against the fruit adulteration to make sure that consumers get safe and fresh fruits throughout the year.
We fear that a section of traders
might use chemicals to ripen fruits,
including mango, litchi and jackfruit
Dishonest traders mix harmful formalin with fruits to preserve them. Conscious parents are worried about sale of chemical-treated fruits. They are not willing to give fruits to their family members.
Those who adulterate fruits by mixing formalin is the enemy of society and it is a serious crime. Apart from the government, people from all walks of life will have to stand against such unethical practice.
If we common people become be vocal and aware of the fruit adulteration, it would be possible to ensure safe fruits for all. All concerned will have to launch a campaign against the adulteration of fruits and dishonest traders. We should keep in mind that consumption of formalin-mixed may cause deadly diseases like cancer.
The authorities concerned will have to set up check posts to prevent formalin and carbide-mixed fruits from entering the cities, district towns and upazila headquarters. The district administration will also have to prevent ripening of mango by using harmful chemicals. Besides, Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institute (BSTI) should strictly monitor fruit markets and warehouses across the country so that none can use chemicals in fruits.
