Shivamogga officials raid areca godowns, collect samples over chemical use

A team of officials carried out surprise inspections at areca godowns in Bullapura, on the outskirts of Shivamogga, on Monday, collecting samples to determine whether chemicals had been used while processing the nuts.

The checks were led by Shivamogga sub-division Assistant Commissioner H.P.S. Mythri and followed complaints that areca merchants were applying chemicals to improve the colour and shine of their produce. The concern has gained urgency after several truckloads of areca were seized in neighbouring Maharashtra over similar suspicions.

Speaking to the merchants, Ms. Mythri said chemical treatment of areca could cause serious health problems for consumers and, over time, damage the market for local growers. She cautioned that farmers stood to suffer heavy losses if the region's produce lost its standing in the market because of such practices.

Samples lifted from the godowns will be sent for laboratory testing. Ms. Mythri said the district administration would act against those responsible if the tests confirmed that chemicals had been used, and she urged farmers and merchants to ensure that areca is processed properly without chemical treatment.

The inspection team included Tahsildar V.S. Rajiv and other officials. Revenue Department staff have also been conducting surprise checks at roadside eateries and hotels in the city to assess food quality and hygiene standards, and recently ordered two juice shops to shut down.