05 May,2026 07:48 AM IST | Mumbai | Abhitash Singh
A trader using chemical. PICS/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
An expose at the Vashi APMC fruit market has revealed how raw alphonso (hapus) mangoes are being artificially ripened using hazardous chemicals, putting thousands of consumers at risk. The trigger was a viral video shot by eyewitness Nagmani Pandey, who captured traders openly spraying chemicals on stacks of raw mangoes inside the market yard on Saturday. The visuals, now widely circulated, show cartons of mangoes being treated in cramped godowns far from any regulatory oversight.
Pandey didn't just record; he confronted the traders. âMaine unse seedha poocha⦠kya aap ye zehar wale aam apne bachchon ko khilayenge [will you feed these poisonous mangoes to your own kids]?" Pandey told mid-day.
Chemical used to hasten ripening process
The traders immediately refused, after which Pandey questioned: "Jab aapke liye safe nahi hai, toh dusron ko kyun bech rahe ho [if you feel these fruits aren't safe for your own consumption, why are you selling these to other people]?"
This moment, captured on camera, has become the most damning part of the expose, highlighting the moral collapse behind the trade.
Investigation reports suggest that traders the fruit market are using chemical agents to accelerate ripening, especially to meet the soaring summer demand for premium hapus mangoes.
In several cases, raw mangoes were found being sprayed or stored with ripening substances in bulk.
Dr Bhanu Mulkikar from Navi Mumbai said, "Such practices can leave toxic residues, posing risks ranging from stomach infections to long-term health complications."
FDA Commissioner Sridhar Dube Patil assured stringent steps. "Artificial ripening is illegal and a serious public health concern. Samples have been collected and sent for testing. Strict penal action will follow against all the culprits," Patil said while urging citizens to remain cautious and report suspicious practices.
Sources indicate that such chemical ripening spikes during peak mango season, when demand outweighs natural supply. Some traders reportedly use banned substances to fast-track the process and maximise profits.
>> Purchase fruits only from trusted vendors
>> Avoid unnaturally bright or uniformly ripened mangoes
>> Wash fruits thoroughly before consumption
>> Report suspicious activities to the FDA or local authorities
A joint team of APMC officials and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted a raid on Saturday evening. A total of 11 dozen mangoes and chemical containers were seized from one trader. However, the action has raised eyebrows. Despite clear evidence of widespread malpractice, only one trader faced action.
The spotlight has now shifted to the APMC administration itself, with allegations of inaction and possible complicity. APMC Secretary Sharad Jare said, "If such illegal ripening is taking place, strict action will be taken against those involved. The entire export building and market premises will be inspected, and necessary action will be taken."
