ARA YOU BUYING THESE KINDS OF BANANAS TOO?

ARA YOU BUYING THESE KINDS OF BANANAS TOO?

14-OCT-ENG 7

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA--------------------------The demand for fruits has surged in Bihar's Bhojpur district during the Navratri festival. Alongside this, concerns regarding the quality of bananas in the market are mounting. There is a race to meet high demand and transport fruit to the market quickly; consequently, there are suspicions that raw bananas are being ripened using chemicals. This unsafe practice is rampant in the market.

During the festive season, the trade in everything from adulterated sweets to paneer and ghee flourishes. In response, the Health Department's food safety team swings into action. The Bhojpur administration is vigilant about ensuring public health is not compromised and is preparing to launch a major campaign against chemically ripened fruits. Ara SDO Anshu Kumari provided details regarding this to the ETV Bharat correspondent.

It is worth noting that bananas with a bright, yellow appearance are being sold openly in the market. Consumers often find it difficult to distinguish whether the fruit has ripened naturally or artificially. Improper chemicals are being used to accelerate the ripening process. The use of chemicals in violation of prescribed standards poses a significant health risk.

Locals have expressed concern over this threat to health. They argue that while fruit is consumed for its health benefits, the administration must take strict action if it causes harm instead. Local resident Krishna Kumar Ranjan states that any vegetable or banana ripened using chemicals is extremely harmful to health. "We appeal to the public to avoid such food products, as a chemical—typically used in agriculture—is being added to them. Chemicals meant to kill pests are being used to ripen bananas. I urge the Food Department to conduct inspections and take action against vendors selling fruits ripened using these chemicals." — Krishna Kumar Ranjan, local resident.

During Navratri, a large number of people consume bananas and other fruits while fasting. Consequently, special attention needs to be paid to the quality of the fruit and the ripening methods employed. While bananas naturally take several days to ripen, some traders resort to artificial methods to ensure a quick supply to the market. The use of chemicals in violation of food safety standards can be detrimental to consumer health.

"About 90% of the bananas available in the market are being ripened using agricultural chemicals. Consuming these chemically treated bananas can lead to health issues. The chemicals used for ripening bananas should be banned. If possible, customers should buy raw bananas, keep them at home, and consume them only after they have ripened naturally." — Ritik Ojha, local resident.

Dr. Azam Khan, a medical practitioner, noted that reports have emerged regarding the use of chemicals like Ethephon Technical and Propylene Glycol to accelerate banana ripening ahead of Navratri. He emphasized the critical importance of adhering to prescribed standards regarding the quality and quantity of substances used for ripening fruit. Improper use of such chemicals can have adverse effects on health. "Consuming contaminated or improperly ripened fruit can lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal issues. Furthermore, if banned substances like calcium carbide are used to ripen bananas, the harmful impurities present in them can pose a serious health risk. Exposure to these substances can cause symptoms such as a burning sensation in the mouth and throat, stomach pain, headaches, and dizziness." – Dr. Azam Khan, Physician

When buying bananas in the market, consumers should not judge quality solely by their yellow color and sheen. One should avoid purchasing fruit that exhibits an unusual odor, stickiness, rotten patches, or other suspicious signs. Before eating, wash the bananas with clean water and peel them; also, wash your hands thoroughly after peeling the fruit.

It is crucial for those observing the Navratri fast to remain vigilant and prioritize quality when purchasing fruit. After all, if the fruit consumed to maintain health during the fast has been ripened improperly, it can end up causing health problems.

"There is a significant difference between naturally ripened bananas and those ripened using chemicals. A clear danger symbol is visible on the chemicals used for ripening bananas, yet shopkeepers continue to use them. Consuming chemically treated bananas can adversely affect health and lead to various illnesses." – Mithilesh Rai, Local Resident

"During Navratri, we observe fasts and perform religious rituals, yet we end up consuming chemically treated bananas available in the market. We eat bananas for their vitamins and carbohydrates, which are beneficial for the body, but chemically treated ones cause us harm. Action should be taken against such shopkeepers. We are feeding these very bananas to our innocent children as well." – Kumari Shalini, Local Resident

Chemically treated bananas appear excessively shiny and have a uniform yellow color, yet their stems remain green. In contrast, a natural banana has a mix of light green and yellow hues with occasional brown spots, and the stem is dry or black. Do not buy the fruit at all if it has an unusual odor or feels sticky.