Household management of pesticides and chemical contaminants in fruit and vegetables

Abstract

There is an indiscriminate use of pesticides, artificial ripening agents, waxes, dyes, etc. on fruits and vegetables and unknowingly the entire population consumes them. Pesticides are extremely mobile, biostable and contaminate the entire ecosystems. Their potential hazard to human health is very well investigated, and, as a result, many pesticides have been banned in several countries. Artificial ripening agents cause immature ripening and contamination of the fruit causing cancers, allergies, hormonal imbalances, etc. Further, waxes, dyes, shiners are added to impart deceptive appearance to fruit and vegetables, so as to earn profit at the cost of human health. Awareness about simple food processing and careful selection techniques can effectively reduce the risks of adverse health effects.