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Mumbai Survey Finds Widespread Concern Over Artificially Ripened Fruit
A survey asked people in Mumbai whether they trust the sellers who provide their fruit and vegetables.
About six in ten said they do not trust their main seller to avoid artificial ripeners or colours.
Many people said they would pay more for produce they knew was naturally ripened.
The survey also found that many respondents want stricter rules for shops and online sellers.
The findings came after food officials seized a large load of chemically ripened bananas in Navi Mumbai.
The FSSAI has told states to check fruit markets and storage places more closely.
A chemical called calcium carbide is not allowed for ripening fruit.
The survey results are to be shared with food-safety authorities.
A LocalCircles survey of more than 7,300 Mumbai households found that 59% do not trust their main produce supplier to avoid artificial ripeners or colours.
Only 21% trusted their supplier, while 20% were unsure.
The Maharashtra FDA recently seized 1,394 kg of chemically ripened bananas at Turbhe APMC fruit market in Navi Mumbai.
Some 73% of surveyed households said they would pay extra for produce assured to be naturally ripened and free of added colours.
The FSSAI has directed states to intensify surveillance, while the survey found broad support for requiring safer produce in retail and online sales.
- Who
- LocalCircles surveyed Mumbai household consumers; the Maharashtra FDA and FSSAI are among the food-safety authorities mentioned.
- What
- The survey found widespread distrust of fruit and vegetable suppliers over artificial ripeners and colours, alongside support for safer produce and tighter rules.
- Where
- Mumbai, with a cited seizure at Turbhe APMC fruit market in Navi Mumbai.
- When
- The report is dated October 7, 2026; the cited FDA crackdown occurred between June and September, with no year specified for that period.
- Why
- Consumers expressed concern about produce safety and the possible use of artificial ripeners or colours.
Key facts
- Survey size
- More than 7,300 Mumbai household consumers; individual questions received 1,755–1,923 responses.
- Supplier trust
- 59% did not trust their primary supplier; 21% trusted them; 20% were unsure.
- Where produce is bought
- 75% mainly use local vendors or neighbourhood stores; 24% use organised retail or online platforms; 1% buy directly from farmers.
- Willingness to pay
- 73% said they would pay a premium for produce assured to be naturally ripened and free from added colours; 42% would pay 10–25% more.
- Regulation preferences
- 77% wanted the requirement applied to organised retail and online platforms; 20% wanted it extended to all sellers.
- Banana seizure
- The Maharashtra FDA seized 1,394 kg of chemically ripened bananas at Turbhe APMC fruit market in Navi Mumbai.
- Ripening rules
- Calcium carbide is prohibited for fruit ripening. Ethylene gas is permitted up to 100 ppm in controlled ripening chambers; direct dipping or spraying with ethylene or ethephon is prohibited.
- FDA inspections
- Between June and September, the department reported more than 12,000 inspections and seizures of food stock worth Rs 77 crore.
Sources
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