Mangoes Not Linked to Narayanguda Teen Tragedy, Say Food Safety Officials
HYDERABAD: Food safety officials have ruled out claims that mangoes ripened with ethylene or calcium carbide caused the deaths of two teenagers in Narayanguda. Doctors reported multiple organ failure as the cause of death. A third person remains in critical condition in a hospital intensive care unit.
Officials said they have found no evidence linking mango consumption to the deaths. They added that toxicology reports will determine the exact cause.
Officials Urge Caution Over Speculation
B. Laxmikanth, gazetted food inspector for Secunderabad, said fruits rarely cause such severe health complications unless investigators confirm food poisoning.
“We recently saw a similar case involving watermelons in Mumbai. Initial reports blamed the fruit. Later, investigators found that rat poison was involved. Authorities are still investigating whether the substance entered the body through food or by some other means. Fruits do not usually cause severe food poisoning, diarrhoea or multiple organ failure,” he said.
Ethylene Use Allowed Under FSSAI Rules
A food analyst at the State Food Laboratory in Nacharam said officials routinely test mango samples during summer for artificial ripening agents.
The analyst explained that the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) permits the use of ethylene in regulated quantities. However, some vendors may misuse the chemical by using excessive amounts.
“Vendors commonly use ethylene to ripen bananas as well. Eating such fruits does not cause death. Excessive exposure may lead to minor health issues, but not fatal complications,” the analyst said.
Investigation Continues, Vendor Yet to Be Traced
Janga Reddy, gazetted food inspector for Khairatabad, said officials are waiting for toxicology results before drawing conclusions.
“The media should avoid speculation. We have not traced the local vendor who sold the mangoes. The person who purchased the fruit also ate it and remains healthy. Even calcium carbide exposure usually causes irritation, allergic reactions or vomiting. It does not normally lead to multiple organ failure,” he said.
Officials said the investigation is ongoing. They expect the toxicology report to play a key role in establishing the cause of the deaths.
