NEWS

Government assured Parliament that it would soon carry out a research on the effects of chemicals like oxytocin and copper sulphate on human health. These chemicals are being illegally used to ripen fruits and vegetables.

Replying to a calling attention motion in the Rajya Sabha on sale of vegetables and food injected with these chemicals, minister of state for health Mr Dinesh Trivedi said, “A combined research will be done by the ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) and the ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research) to find out the long-term impact of the chemicals being used in fruits and vegetables on health.”
The motion was moved by Congress MP Mr Shantaram Naik and other member, expressed concern over the sale of such vegetables and fruits.
While responding to the concerns raised by the members including Congress MP Mr Rajiv Shukla, over the increasing use of chemicals, the minister said that states have been instructed to maintain a strict vigilance.