Chemically-treated mangoes flood markets

Chemically-treated mangoes have flooded the markets in Jessore region, posing serious health risks. Visiting different markets, this correspondent found out that low quality Indian mangoes are selling at Tk 100 per kg near the Benapole border area, while they are selling at Tk 120-130 per kg in Jessore town. Locals alleged that good-looking Indian mangoes, including Golapkhas, are being smuggled into the country. The smuggled mangoes are being sent to other parts of the country, including Dhaka, they claimed. They observed that the Indian mangoes do not rot quickly and do not attract flies which are clear indications they are treated with chemicals. Akkas Miah, a mango trader at Banapole town, said they do not know what kinds of chemicals were mixed in the Indian mangoes, but the mangoes remain fresh for a long time. Aminul Islam, Horticulturist of Magura Horticulture Center, said the good-looking Indian mangoes are actually treated with carbide and formalin in order that their ripening is hastened, but the rotting is slackened. Consumption of chemically-treated fruits may affect vital organs of human body, including liver and kidney, he said, according to UNB.