Artificially Ripened Fruits May Harm Health

Recently, the Department of Food Technology and Quality Control (DFTQC) issued a notice requesting people not to ripen fruits artificially using calcium carbide and warned consumers that consumption of such fruits may cause serious health effects. Vitamins and minerals are abundant in fruits. They play a vital role in preventing deficiencies of Vitamin A and Vitamin C. A healthy diet containing fruits as a component has been shown to prevent many chronic diseases. For a healthy living, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends five servings of fruits and vegetables every day.