The government has begun taking steps to prevent the illegal use of harmful chemicals for artificially ripening fruits, following growing concerns over potential health risks to consumers.
A special discussion on the issue was held today (20) at the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development under the patronage of Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe.
The meeting was attended by Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) Chairman Hemantha Samarakoon, along with officials from the Department of Agriculture, the Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI), the Industrial Technology Institute (ITI) and several other relevant institutions.
During the discussion, the Minister said the CAA has received numerous complaints regarding the use of chemicals to artificially ripen fruits such as bananas, mangoes, papayas and guavas before they are sold to consumers.
He stressed that strict legal action should be introduced without delay, particularly as there is insufficient scientific evidence on the long-term health effects of consuming fruits ripened using toxic chemicals. He added that amendments to the Consumer Affairs Authority Act would be considered if necessary.
Agricultural research officials explained that while artificial fruit-ripening methods are scientifically regulated and widely used in many countries, some traders and producers in Sri Lanka continue to rely on unsafe and unregulated practices.
Officials also pointed out that under the Food Control Act, chemicals or solutions must not come into direct contact with fruits.
The discussion also focused on strengthening the Consumer Affairs Authority’s laboratory facilities to support future inspections and testing aimed at detecting the use of prohibited chemicals in fruit ripening.
