Every year, foodborne diseases claim 420,000 lives, according to WHO reports. Consequently, this issue has raised significant concern within the global community. As a result, the United Nations General Assembly signed a resolution on December 20, 2018, and declared June 7 as World Food Safety Day. This day highlights the many benefits of safe food. Subsequently, actions regarding World Food Safety Day began on August 3, 2020. Focusing on Protecting fruits World Food Safety Day.

Waste Management Port Orchard

This day aims to raise awareness about the significance of food safety and promote actions that help prevent, detect, and manage foodborne risks. These efforts protect public health, ensure regulatory compliance, and guarantee customer satisfaction.

Theme: Food Safety: Prepare for the Unexpected

Each year, the WHO announces a theme for World Food Safety Day to sustain the process. For 2024, the theme is “Food Safety: Prepare for the Unexpected.” The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations collaborate with countries and other groups to observe this day. World Food Safety Day provides an opportunity for everyone to work harder to ensure the food we eat is safe for our health.

Protect Your Fruits: Today is World Safety Day

June is a fortuitous month in Bangladesh, with a variety of mangoes, lychees, jambuls, jackfruits, rose apples, etc. Everyone loves these fruits in this season. The season lasts 2-3 months, and we get these fruits continuously with a 7-10 day interval. However, we often see fruits in the market before they are fully harvested, as farmers and brokers want to make more money by selling early.

Mango Harvesting Timeline

Mango production in Bangladesh generally yields a surplus each year, with 8-9 sweet varieties available in local orchards. These include Langra, Himsagar, Rupali, Gobindovog, Ashshina, Fojli, Bari-4, Lakna, and Deshi Guti. The flowering stage begins in the last week of January, marking the end of winter. Consequently, farmers start caring for the orchards. And maintaining safety for Protecting fruits World Food Safety Day.

Mango Harvesting Timeline and Orchard Management in Bangladesh

March and April are dedicated to orchard management and pest control, with the hopper being a major pest. The Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) of Bangladesh announces the mango harvesting timeline. Harvesting begins with the Gobindovog variety around May 25, followed by other varieties according to the announced dates.

How to Identify Premature Mango in the Market?

I can buy mangoes from the market in the first week of May; however, I generally don’t buy them at that time. With five years of experience working with mango fruits, I have observed that people’s behavior during fruit purchases varies significantly. Many express interest in organic, chemical-free mangoes. Nevertheless, in the market, they often choose the ripest, yellowest, and softest mangoes, which are usually sprayed with ethylene, a direct chemical. This behavior is crucial for food safety.

Ethylene to Ethylene Glyco

For example, when a mango turns yellow without a ripe smell and lacks flies around it, it will decay within 1-2 days and might have an immature seed. Farmers typically don’t use ripening chemicals; instead, local traders use ethylene to ripen mangoes within 24 hours. But no business owners followed Protecting fruits World Food Safety Day.

Digitalization Ethylene

Local traders have a tradition of ripening immature mangoes. Initially, they used two types of chemicals: carbide and Ethofen. However, the Department of Agriculture Extension has prohibited carbide for ripening mangoes, and WHO guidelines have also banned red-marked pesticides. Consequently, ethylene, a hydrocarbon that is colorless and flammable with a faint “sweet and musky” odor when pure, is now suggested as an alternative.

The Process of Mango Handling and Sales

Farmers rise early to harvest mangoes, using plastic crates to transport them safely. They segregate mangoes by variety and bring them to local mango markets (aroth). Farmers and aroth have prior agreements for crates and sometimes advance loans. Traders (foria) visit the aroth to select and purchase mangoes, aiming for good quality at a low price. Subsequently, traders spray ethylene on the mangoes, dry them with fans, and pack them in crates, layering grade 2 quality mangoes at the bottom and better quality ones on top. Finally, these mangoes are sold in cities.

How Can I Buy a Good Mango?

I never buy mangoes during the early stages of harvesting. Instead, I purchase them 20 days after harvesting begins. Occasionally, I visit villages and mango orchards to speak with farmers and gather information about harvesting times. Additionally, I avoid buying mangoes from aroth and street fruit shops. Instead, I opt for green, mature mangoes with developed seeds. Furthermore, if I notice flies around the mangoes, it reassures me that they are good and free from ethylene.