I WANT to draw the attention of the government towards the use of a highly poisonous and carcinogen chemical `calcium carbide` (CaC2) normally known as white powder in the ripening of fruits.

In recent months, the Punjab Health Authority has started a stringent checl(ing of unhygienic and adulterated food.

However, the use of calcium carbide to artificially ripen fruits and some vegetables remains unchecked. Calcium carbide is banned under PFA rule 1955. If wiped or washed off any fruit, it is difficult to detect with the naked eye.

Under the Food Safety Standard Regulation 2011, sections 2, 3, and 5. `No person shall sell or offer or expose for sale under any description fruits that have been artificially ripped by the use of CaC2.

The fruits that are ripened with this substance become soft, inferior in taste and toxic. Such fruits when consumed can cause stomach upset, besides affecting the neurological system causing headache, dizziness, mood disorder, sleepiness, mental confusion, memory loss, cerebral edema and seizure.

This matter has become all the more alarming because this chemical is being used widely as a normal practice.

A concerted effort by the government is required to eliminate the usage of this dangerous chemical in the ripening of fruits and vegetables.

Mian Amir Hakim Lahore