Key Takeaways
- No prohibited calcium carbide was detected during inspections in Madhesh Province.
- Fruits must have proper labeling, and only approved ripening agents can be used without direct contact.
- Pesticide residue tests on local produce showed all samples met health standards.
Inspection Outcomes in Madhesh Province
The Department of Food Technology and Quality Control, part of the Ministry of Health and Food Hygiene, has confirmed that no prohibited substance, specifically calcium carbide, was found in mango ripening during recent inspections across various districts of Madhesh Province. Comprehensive site inspections were carried out at fruit shops and warehouses in Lahan and Siraha, where the use of ripening agents was closely monitored. The department has emphasized that businesses must only sell fruits labeled with stickers and that artificial ripening methods should not be employed. Only approved ripening agents that do not come into direct contact with the fruits are permitted.
In addition to these findings, rapid pesticide residue tests conducted on vegetables and fruits from local markets in Nawalpur and Lalbandi on Asar 3 revealed that all samples complied with established safety standards. This reinforces the department’s ongoing commitment to food safety and quality control. Inspections extending to wholesale and retail mango markets in Lalbandi, Nawalpur, Chandrapur, Gaur in Sarlahi, and Rautahat similarly showed that no calcium carbide was used for ripening.
The inspections serve as a reminder to businesses in the food sector about the importance of adhering to food safety regulations. The Department has stressed the necessity for proper labeling and the use of compliant ripening agents, urging vendors to maintain standards that protect consumer health and uphold food hygiene practices throughout the supply chain.
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