Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Wasantha Samarasinghe has stressed the urgent need to regulate and halt the use of toxic chemicals in fruit ripening, following rising complaints from consumers.
At a discussion held yesterday (20) at the Ministry, Samarasinghe revealed that the Consumer Affairs Authority has received numerous reports of bananas, mangoes, wood apples, and papayas being artificially ripened with unauthorized chemicals before reaching the market.
The meeting examined legal barriers and enforcement challenges in curbing the practice, with the Minister emphasizing that immediate regulation and strict legal decisions are required to protect public health. He noted that if necessary, amendments to the Consumer Protection Act could be considered to strengthen oversight.
Agricultural research officials explained that while artificial ripening methods are used internationally on a scientific basis, many local traders and producers rely on unsafe shortcuts instead of proper procedures. Officials also reminded that under the Food Control Act, no chemical or solution is permitted to come into contact with fruit.
Attention was drawn to the need for laboratory facilities to confirm chemical use in fruit ripening. Although the Industrial Technology Institute has such facilities, its heavy workload has limited capacity.
Plans are underway to provide the Consumer Affairs Authority with additional resources to support enforcement. (Newswire)