Patna, March 11: Taking serious note of The Telegraph report on vendors applying colour to make vegetables look fresh, the district administration today promised stern action against people indulging in the malpractice.

Patna district magistrate (DM) Sanjay Kumar Singh promised to conduct surprise raids on vegetable markets to bring the unscrupulous vegetable-sellers to book.

He said: “We did not have any idea about vendors adding colours to vegetables. But after The Telegraph published the report, we have decided to come down heavily on those involved in colouring green vegetables. People eat green vegetables to lead a healthy life. If colour is added to them, they become hazardous to health. It is surely a matter of concern. The administration has taken the issue seriously.”

Singh said: “We will be conducting raids on the vegetable markets. We want to surprise the unscrupulous elements and nab them red-handed. Adulteration of vegetables is a serious offence and it has direct connection with the health of people. The administration will not tolerate it.”

During a random check, The Telegraph found many vegetable-sellers at Mithapur roundabout, Boring Road, Rajapul, Anta Ghat, Kankerbagh, Agamkuan and near the New Secretariat using chemical solutions to give a fresh look to vegetables. Bitter gourds, pointed gourds, lady’s fingers, cucumbers, peas and carrots were given a coat of wax.

Bihar Health Services Association member Ajay Kumar said the colours could be very harmful if consumed.

“We often advise patients to have green vegetables. But if they are coloured with wax and pesticides, they can be very harmful. They can adversely affect kidney, liver, stomach and digestive system. These can also create neurological disorder,” said Kumar.

He added: “If pregnant women consume the coloured vegetables, the foetus can get affected. We should try to avoid such harmful colours.”

When The Telegraph apprised food and consumer protection minister Shyam Rajak of use of colour to make vegetables look fresh, he said his department would take action against the vendors involved in the practice.

When The Telegraph revisited the vegetable markets at Mithapur roundabout, Boring Road, Rajapul, Anta Ghat and near the New Secretariat today, they appeared neat and clean.

Not a single packet of colour was found in any of the markets.