Inspect fruit markets to find chemicals in mangoes: HC to govt

Worried over the presence of pesticide residues in fruits especially in mangoes, the Delhi High Court today asked the central government to find out if they contained such chemicals by carrying out "surprise" inspections in fruits and vegetables markets.
A bench of Chief Justice D Murugesan and Justice Jayant Nath asked the Agriculture ministry to carry out inspections to find the presence of any chemical in fruits, especially in mangoes, and take action against the persons responsible for that.
"The issue is serious and requires the union's response in two weeks... The inspections are also to be carried out in the fruits market to find out whether mangoes contained any pesticide residue or chemical...Action Taken Report to be filed before the court by May 29," the bench said adding the matter is pending in court since 2010 but no action has been taken so far.

The court's order came after the counsel for the petitioner alleged that in the current mango season, one can find chemicals in more than 90 percent of mango fruits sold in the market.
He also submitted sellers also inject colours in fruits and there is no mechanism to check such acts.
Earlier, taking suo motu cognisance of a media report, the court had directed the ministry to set up a committee and frame guidelines to prevent use of pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables.
The Centre had constituted the committee comprising experts and the government officials but the guidelines are yet to be framed.