The government is preparing to introduce legal provisions to prevent the use of toxic chemicals for artificially ripening fruits, Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Wasantha Samarasinghe said.
The Minister said the move follows a number of complaints received by the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) regarding the sale of fruits ripened using harmful chemicals.
He made these remarks during a discussion held with officials of the Consumer Affairs Authority, where concerns over the practice and possible measures to address the issue were discussed.
Minister Samarasinghe said the use of toxic chemicals to ripen fruits including bananas, mangoes and papayas has emerged as a serious public health concern.
He further stated that authorities will conduct raids at locations where such chemicals are being used for fruit ripening.
The Minister warned that traders who continue the practice despite being informed of the regulations will face legal action. The government is expected to move forward with the proposed legal measures to strengthen consumer protection and prevent the distribution of chemically ripened fruits.
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