Glossy Red Tomatoes Spark Health Concerns After Viral Video Exposes Use Of Hazardous Chemicals
Content creator Satish Sonu Pandey shared a video reportedly showing a farmer dipping freshly harvested tomatoes into a chemical solution.
In generations past, life was simpler and perhaps, healthier. Crops grew naturally in soil enriched by cow dung, the only fertiliser farmers trusted. Vegetables were plucked straight from the soil and eaten without fear. Diseases were rare, and longevity was more common, say elders who remember a time when food was not tampered with in the name of profit.
But that age of purity has faded, replaced by a relentless drive for higher yields and quicker profits. In modern agriculture, chemicals are no longer the exception, they’re the rule. Fertilisers and pesticides are now liberally applied in fields across the country. Even after harvest, fruits and vegetables are often treated with synthetic agents to prolong their shelf life or enhance their appearance.
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The result? What ends up on your plate may look fresh but could be anything but safe.
A recent video circulating on social media once again stirred fears about the integrity of the produce in our markets. Shared by content creator Satish Sonu Pandey, the footage reportedly shows a farmer dipping freshly harvested tomatoes into a chemical solution. The reason? To transform unripe green tomatoes into a glossy red that fools the eye and buys time before rot sets in.
Watch the viral video here:
Tomatoes, known for their short shelf life, begin to soften and decay within days of harvesting. When prices dip, farmers often hold back their stock in hopes of better returns. But the delay leads to spoilage. To counter this, some resort to artificial ripening, submerging tomatoes in chemical-laced water that accelerates colour change and extends apparent freshness.
These practices, though not new, are increasingly coming under public scrutiny. Experts warn that the substances used in such ripening processes can be toxic if ingested in significant quantities, especially if the produce is not thoroughly washed.
The chemicals, often including substances like calcium carbide or other ripening agents, can leave residues that penetrate beyond the surface. While they make tomatoes appear vibrantly red and market-ready, their consumption may lead to long-term health complications, including food poisoning, hormonal imbalances, and in extreme cases, even organ damage.
The unsettling truth is that without visual clues, it’s nearly impossible for the average consumer to know whether their tomatoes or any fruit, for that matter have been chemically treated. This makes washing produce not just a routine task, but a crucial health safeguard.
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