“Alarming Use of Chemicals in Imported Produce Must End Now”
Alarming Use of Chemicals in Imported Produce Must End Now
Amrit Lal Saha
July 16, 2025
A deeply concerning incident unfolded recently in Belonia town, South Tripura, where five members of a single family fell seriously ill after consuming tarmuj (taro root). The family, residents of Netaji Palli, had to be urgently admitted to the Belonia Sub-Divisional Hospital late Sunday night, presenting severe symptoms of food poisoning, nausea, abdominal pain, and dizziness. Although their condition is now stable, this frightening episode has shaken public confidence and highlighted a growing menace that cannot be ignored any longer, the rampant and unchecked use of toxic chemicals in imported food items. This incident is not isolated. It is symptomatic of a larger crisis.
Reportedly, most of the vegetables, fruits, and fish sold in Tripura markets are not locally produced but imported from other states. Unfortunately, many of these products are laced with hazardous chemicals such as calcium carbide, formalin, oxytocin, synthetic wax, and other harmful preservatives, used to enhance appearance, shelf life, or to mask spoilage.
The taro root that caused the Belonia poisoning was reportedly imported. Experts suspect chemical contamination as the most likely cause of the illness. This has once again exposed the frightening reality: fruits like mangoes and bananas are being artificially ripened using calcium carbide; apples are coated with industrial wax; and vegetables like tomatoes, brinjals, and chilies are sprayed or dipped in harmful agents to maintain a deceptive freshness.
Most alarming is the use of formalin, a chemical traditionally used to preserve dead bodies, to keep fish fresh during long-distance transportation. The health implications are devastating. Prolonged exposure to these substances can cause neurological issues, hormonal disruptions, digestive damage, allergic reactions, and even cancer.
As a practicing advocate and consumer rights activist, I must question: What is the purpose of a Food Safety Department if it cannot ensure the safety of what we eat every day?
No significant random testing is being conducted. There is no state level crackdown on violators. We have no mandatory labeling of origin, no display of chemical content, and no penalty for dangerous malpractice.
Meanwhile, citizens are left vulnerable to illnesses ranging from minor poisoning to potentially life-threatening conditions.
I strongly demand the following immediate actions:
1. Surprise raids and random testing of food samples across all markets, especially on imported produce.
2. Mandatory labeling of imported versus locally grown items in all shops and markets.
3. A statewide awareness campaign on how to identify chemically ripened or treated fruits and vegetables.
4. Severe penalties under the Food Safety and Standards Act for offenders.
5. Infrastructure investment to strengthen local agriculture, fisheries, and food processing sectors.
According to George Cheriyan, Working President of the Consumers Protection Association, Tripura, the presence of pesticides and chemicals in food must not exceed permissible limits. As per the Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins and Residues) Regulations, 2011, and the Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales Regulations, 2011, the use of calcium carbide, formalin, synthetic dyes, and other unauthorised chemicals is strictly banned.
Artificial ripening must only be done using ethylene gas in approved chambers. Dipping bananas and other fruits in ethephon solution or using unapproved chemical agents is not only illegal, it is criminal act.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has made it clear that any violation will attract heavy penalties. Unfortunately, in Tripura, enforcement is negligible, and violators continue with impunity.
The Belonia incident is not just a tragedy, it is a red alert. Next time, the result could be fatal. Authorities cannot continue to look the other way. Citizens deserve transparency and protection from toxic food practices.
As a lawyer and activist, I call upon: The State Government, Tripura Food Safety Department, District Magistrates and SDMs, Municipal Councils and Nagar Panchayats to rise to the occasion. Let this not be another forgotten case. Implement a robust monitoring system, conduct mass inspections, and bring offenders to justice.
Tripura’s health is being compromised silently every day in its markets and kitchens. Without immediate reforms in food safety enforcement and a shift toward self-reliant, chemical-free local production, we risk a public health catastrophe. It is time to act, not after the next tragedy, but now.
(Writer Advocate Amrit Lal Saha is a Consumer Rights Activist and Advocate Tripura High Court, Agartala)
(Tripurainfo)
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