Oxytocin illegal, other ripening agents allowed: Azad
August 20th, 2010 - 8:49 pm ICT by IANSNew Delhi, Aug 20 (IANS) While the government does not approve of the use of oxytocin chemical, other hormones or substances are allowed to be used for ripening fruits and growth of vegetables, parliament was informed Friday.
“The use of oxytocin for ripening/growth of fruits and vegetables is not approved. However, as per the information provided by the department of agriculture research and education, certain other chemicals or hormones are recommended for use in fruits and vegetables,” Health and Family Welfare Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad informed the Lok Sabha in a written reply.
He pointed out that girbbarellic acid and ethylene are recommended for grapes, pineapples, banana and other climatic fruits.
“However, the use of these chemicals/hormones is to be as per the prescribed procedures,” Azad said.
The implementation of the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act and rules lies with the state governments and state commissioners of food safety have been advised to keep a vigil to check the use of hazardous chemicals for ripening of fruits and vegetables, he said.
“The procedure for detection of acetylene in godowns or treatment chambers has also been circulated to all the states and union territory,” said Azad.
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Tags: acetylene, agriculture research, banana, department of agriculture, ethylene, family welfare, food safety, fruits and vegetables, ghulam nabi azad, grapes, hazardous chemicals, hormones, Lok Sabha, New Delhi, oxytocin, prevention of food adulteration, state commissioners, state governments, union territory, vigil