Hyderabad Mango Crackdown: 2 Traders Held, 7 Tonnes of Suspected Chemically Ripened Fruit Seized

As mango arrivals pick up across Hyderabad ahead of the summer rush, police and civic authorities have intensified enforcement against the use of illegal and excessive ripening chemicals, with multiple raids leading to arrests, seizures, and public warnings over health risks linked to chemically treated fruit.

Police action begins as mango stocks enter city markets

With fresh mango consignments from Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring states entering Hyderabad's wholesale markets, separate drives by police and municipal teams on April 4 and 5 led to the arrest of at least two wholesale fruit traders allegedly involved in using excessive ripening agents and hazardous chemicals.

One of the traders, who reportedly operates a fruit business in Chudi Bazar, was allegedly found using "Diamond Ripe Ethylene" to ripen mangoes.

"He was using the ripener in more quantities than required. We seized over two dozen sachets of the ripener," an official of H-Fast (Hyderabad Food Adulteration Surveillance Team) said.

Authorities also seized nearly 7 tonnes of mangoes from warehouses across Hyderabad on suspicion that they had been ripened using ethylene and calcium carbide. Samples from the seized fruit have been sent for laboratory testing.

H-Fast put on alert, Sajjanar issues strong warning to consumers

Hyderabad Police Commissioner V C Sajjanar said H-Fast has been specifically tasked with monitoring godowns, warehouses, and wholesale fruit shops where mangoes are stored for ripening.

He urged residents to remain alert and immediately inform police if they come across mangoes carrying a chemical smell or if they suspect artificial ripening with unsafe substances.

"The king of fruits is back on our plates, but people are advised to exercise caution and avoid being misled by chemically ripened mangoes. They should also be wary of those sold under the label of 'organic'. Consumers are urged to verify the authenticity of the produce before making a purchase.

"With the onset of summer, the mango has begun to flood the markets. However, citizens must not overlook the deadly danger lurking behind these mouth-watering fruits. Driven by a greed for profit, some unscrupulous traders are risking public lives," Sajjanar said.

"Instead of allowing mangoes to ripen naturally, they are being artificially ripened using Calcium Carbide and other hazardous chemicals. Purchasing fruits solely because they look shiny and golden on roadside stalls is essentially inviting illness into your home," he further wrote on X.

How to identify suspicious mangoes and what the health risks are

In his public advisory, Sajjanar also explained the visible differences between naturally ripened mangoes and those treated with chemicals, while warning of both immediate and long-term health consequences.

"Typically, a naturally ripened mango does not have a perfectly uniform colour. In contrast, chemically ripened fruits appear bright yellow on the outside but remain raw and toxic on the inside. Medical experts warn that consuming such fruits can lead to immediate health issues like throat irritation, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. In the long run, it may also lead to severe complications such as nervous system damage and respiratory problems," he warned.

He added that police are maintaining strict surveillance and legal action will continue against those found endangering public health.

"The Hyderabad City Police is already taking a stern stand against such traders who play with public health. The H-Fast is maintaining a strict vigil on the sale of adulterated mangoes, and legal action is being initiated against those who violate the rules. We urge the public not to be deceived by the outward appearance of the fruit and to verify its naturalness before purchasing. Be cautious of mangoes that have an unnatural colour, a chemical odour, or a strange taste. If there are unusual spots on the skin or if the colour changes unexpectedly when washed with baking soda water, realise that they are harmful to your health," he wrote.

"If you have any information regarding adulterated mangoes, please report it to Dial 100 or contact the H-Fast helpline at 8712661212."

Traders defend market practices as arrivals rise across wholesale hubs

While the crackdown has raised concern among buyers, wholesale traders have said the entire trade should not be painted with the same brush, insisting that not every seller uses illegal methods.

A member of the Wholesale Fruit Sellers and Commission Agents Association at Mozamjahi Market said, "Fruit traders are allowed to use a certain amount of ripening agents that are not harmful. Some greedy traders may use excessive chemicals. We are mindful of the harm it can cause, and we do not use anything in excess. Based on the colour of the fruit, customers can easily make out if it has chemicals or ripening agents on it."

The Gaddi Annaram Fruit Market near Boduppal is already witnessing heavy activity, with more than 25 mango varieties currently available. Traders there said supplies are arriving not only from Telangana's hinterland but also from Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.

Meanwhile, H-Fast and municipal health officials are also urging vendors to report any sales agents attempting to supply unsafe ripening chemicals. Officials said samples are being collected from multiple locations across the city for further testing as the summer mango season gathers pace.