Toxic 'Tarmuj' Sparks Illness in Tripura: Allegations of Chemical Use in Imported, Fish, Fruits and Vegetables Raise Alarm
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, July 16, 2025
A health scare unfolded in Belonia town of South Tripura as five members of a family were hospitalized after consuming tarmuj (taro root). The family, residents of Netaji Palli, fell seriously ill on Sunday night and were rushed to Belonia Sub-Divisional Hospital. Doctors suspect food poisoning caused by toxic substances present in the taro root.
Hospital authorities confirmed that the patients exhibited symptoms such as nausea and stomach pain, common signs of poisoning. All of them are currently stable and under observation.
However, the incident has triggered widespread concern across the state, not just about tarmuj, but about a broader pattern of suspected chemical contamination in fruits and vegetables, especially those imported from outside the state.
According to news sources, most of the taro roots (tarmuj) and several other produce items, including fish, sold in Tripura markets are imported from outside the state. It is alleged that importers frequently use chemical preservatives, especially calcium carbide, formalin, and wax coatings, to artificially preserve freshness and extend shelf life.
Local experts claim that not only fish and taro roots, but also fruits like mangoes, bananas, and apples, as well as vegetables like tomatoes, green chilies, and brinjals, are often exposed to harmful chemicals during transport and storage. Such practices are known to pose serious health risks, particularly to children, the elderly, and those with weakened immunity.
A retired food safety officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated: “It is a known fact that calcium carbide is used to ripen mangoes, and wax is used to coat apples. Many taro roots and vegetables arrive in a semi-rotten state and are chemically treated to make them marketable. In most cases, formalin is used to preserve fish.”
On Monday morning, a fruit seller at Lake Chowmuhani market in Agartala admitted that customers often ask specifically for locally grown fruits, fearing poisoning or allergic reactions due to the use of chemicals.
Despite growing public concern, the State Food Laboratory and Health Department have yet to take visible action. No major drive has been launched recently to test chemical levels in fish, fruits, or vegetables sold in open markets. Activists are demanding random chemical testing, mandatory labeling of imported produce, and strict penalties for violators.
Local consumer rights activist and renowned advocate Amrit Lal Saha said: “What’s the point of having a Food Safety Department if they never test market produce? The Belonia case is a warning, next time, it could be fatal.”
He demanded immediate random testing of all food items arriving in Tripura from other states.
The Belonia incident serves as a wake-up call for authorities in Tripura. Without urgent action, such as strengthening food inspections, banning harmful preservatives, and investing in local agricultural infrastructure, the health of the public remains at serious risk. Authorities must act swiftly before another family falls victim, warned advocate and consumer activist Amrit Lal Saha.
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