Action against synthetically evolved fruits, formalin treated fish demanded

Our Correspondent

HOWRAGHAT, July 6: The Karbi Youth Development Organization (KYDO) has appealed to the Deputy Commissioner of Karbi Anglong for thorough chemical examination of fishes, vegetables and fruits sold in Diphu market. The organization has claimed that inoculated fish and other products were being sold in the market and called for the district administration to carry out lab testing, mentioning that minister Piyush Hazarika had already set the trend.

The memo has expressed apprehension that some vendors were using chemicals for synthetically evolving fruits called calcium carbide (CaC2) which contains arsenic and phosphorus, both fatal for human life. This chemical is forbidden in many countries, including India but it is being used across the country to mature fruits like mangoes, watermelons and bananas.

Meanwhile, the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) Diphu Regional Committee has submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner of Karbi Anglong, Mrinal Kr Mahanta for implementation of Drugs and Cosmetic Act, 1940 and Rules 1945 and to make mandatory presence of pharmacists in medical stores as per Pharmacy Act, 1948 under section 42. The AASU has claimed that violation of both the rules is common in pharmacists all over the district, and around 95 per cent pharmacies violate the rules and many pharmacies are not registered with the authority. AASU also appealed to the authority to take action against pharmacy and chemists who are flouting the law within three days.