The government has planned to introduce legal provisions to prevent the use of toxic chemicals for artificial fruit ripening, Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Wasantha Samarasinghe said.
The Minister noted that the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has received numerous complaints regarding the sale of fruits artificially ripened using harmful chemicals.
He made these remarks during a discussion attended by officials of the Consumer Affairs Authority.
Minister Samarasinghe said the use of toxic chemicals to ripen fruits such as bananas, mangoes and papayas has become a serious public concern.
He further stated that authorities will launch raids on locations where such chemicals are being used.
The Minister also warned that if traders continue the practice despite being made aware of the regulations, legal action will be taken against them.
