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Be careful when eating fruits containing chemicals in the market

Published : Saturday, 24 May, 2025 at 12:00 AM  Count : 280
 

 

Bangladesh is currently experiencing the peak of its fruit season. People from all walks of life are enjoying the delicious taste of seasonal fruits. From children to the elderly, everyone desires to indulge in nature's sweetness. Fruits are meant to refresh the body and supply essential vitamins and minerals. But a concerning question arises-what are we truly consuming in the name of fruits? In many cases, the answer is nothing short of poison.

From the early stages of fruit development, various pesticides are sprayed to enhance size, color, and taste. The usage of these chemicals rarely follows proper dosage, timing, or safety guidelines. As fruits begin to ripen, hormonal sprays are applied to speed up the process. On top of that, calcium carbide is used for rapid ripening and to add an artificial brightness, while formalin is applied to prevent rotting. It has now become almost impossible to tell if a fruit contains formalin just by looking at it. Ironically, the fruits that appear the freshest and most visually appealing are often the most toxic.

Chemically treated fruits are extremely harmful to health. They weaken the immune system and reduce the nutritional value of the food. The vitamins our bodies need are replaced by toxic substances. Consuming artificially ripened fruits is equivalent to consuming poison. The colorful and juicy exterior of these fruits often hides harmful chemicals within. Therefore, one should select fruits based on natural freshness rather than attractive appearance.

There is a common belief that native fruits are free from harmful substances. However, this assumption is no longer always valid. Increasingly, local fruits are also being found contaminated with formalin and other toxic chemicals. Incidents have been reported where native fruits such as jackfruit, papaya, banana, guava, and tangerine are also being tampered with. Some fruits are made sweeter by injecting saccharin and other harmful agents. Even bananas are softened unnaturally using kerosene stoves or chemical sprays. The skin of these fruits is sometimes washed with substances like shampoo or Safagel before being chemically treated.

The consequences are alarming. Due to the consumption of contaminated food, numerous people suffer from diseases like cancer, diabetes, kidney failure, liver cirrhosis, asthma, and more. Pregnant women face increased risks, and a large number of babies are born with physical complications. A study has estimated that adulterated food leads to approximately 300,000 cancer cases, 150,000 cases of diabetes, and 200,000 cases of kidney disease annually in Bangladesh. Around 1.5 million babies are born with complications each year, many of which are believed to be linked to chemical exposure from food.

Previously, the High Court had ordered legal action under the Special Powers Act of 1974 against those using harmful chemicals in food and fruit. The Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI), along with law enforcement, was directed to monitor these issues continuously. Furthermore, the National Board of Revenue was instructed to arrange for testing of imported fruits at all entry points in the country. However, little progress has been seen in the implementation of these directives.

Testing procedures remain slow and ineffective. For imported fruits, it can take up to a month to receive formalin test results from the BSTI office in Dhaka. By then, the fruits have either rotted or already been consumed. In contrast, the process of exporting fruits from Bangladesh is far more rigorous. Exporters must obtain clearance from the Department of Agricultural Extension's Plant Sanitation Center, where fruits are washed in front of officials before being certified for export. European countries accept only those fruits that meet these strict standards. Ironically, such standards are not enforced for the local population, who continue to consume contaminated produce.

The widespread use of chemicals in food is not only a health crisis but also a reflection of moral decay in society. Greed and profit have overtaken ethics and human life. To prevent further deterioration, the government must take urgent and strict actions. Import, storage, distribution, and sale of harmful chemicals must be tightly regulated. A public awareness campaign must be launched to educate people about the dangers of consuming chemically treated fruits. The media has a vital role to play in this effort.

People deserve to eat fruits that are pure and nourishing-not toxic and life-threatening. It is time to wake up and demand change.

The writer is a contributor



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