Shiny upcountry fruits and veggies can be dangerous

by Carol Aloysius

The National Poisons Information Centre of the National Hospital, has cautioned the public to stop buying upcountry fruits and vegetables which have a shiny, unnatural fresh appearance as they could be tainted with toxic chemicals causing serious non communicable diseases including cancer.

Head of the National Poisons Information Centre Dr. Waruna Gunetilleke told the Sunday Observer that based on recent reports, many upcountry farmers had begun to spray pesticides to prevent insects attacking their crops especially fruits and vegetables during the Pre-harvest period (ie. a few days prior to harvesting).

"The residuals of these toxic chemicals are still on these fruits and vegetables when they reach the open market, as the pre-harvest period is too short a time for the chemicals to disintegrate into the soil, as in the case of the post harvesting period. Ingesting these foods can, therefore, compromise our health", he said. He said that detecting toxic residual levels on fruits and vegetables was not possible with the naked eye as it needed sophisticated instruments. "The residual analysis on fruits and vegetables is an important requirement and responsibility for all food authorities to prevent toxic chemicals entering our bodies through the food chain," he said.

"Farmers must stop this dangerous practice and act more responsibly as the public's health is at stake. The public too must change their attitude to the fruits and vegetables that attract them merely because they have a pleasing appearance". Posters, leaflets and guidelines are now available at the National Poisons Information Centre highlighting the dangers of using pesticides during the pre-harvest period.

"The public, farmers and others can visit our Centre for more information.

We will also focus on this subject during the National Poisons Prevention Week which begins on November 12," he said.