Pesticide residue in some fruits has been found but “this does not mean all fruits and vegetables are contaminated. Also chemicals including ‘calcium carbide’ gas is used for ripening some varieties of fruit artificially,” IRNA quoted Rasoul Dinarvand, head of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as saying.
The use of calcium carbide for ripening fruit is illegal, he warned, and pointed out that it contains carcinogenic properties. Industrial-grade calcium carbide may also contain traces of arsenic and phosphorus which makes it harmful for human health.
At present a comprehensive survey to explore the amount of pesticides and pests in different kinds of fruits and vegetables is being conducted by the health ministry, and the results will be out by the end of the current year (March 2015). “After completion of the survey we can determine which fruits (in which areas) are contaminated by harmful artificial chemicals. Therefore, we can undertake reforms in pesticide use with the cooperation of agricultural jihad ministry,” Dinarvand said.
The health ministry is not directly responsible for production and supply of horticultural produce, but considering their impact on public health due to excessive use of pesticides, “we should regularly supervise the quality and check for pesticides and pests,” he added.
