‘Red wheat laced with pesticides’

State BJP vice president Dr Kirit Somaiya on Saturday said that the inferior imported red wheat contained organo-phosphorus compounds like malathion and hydrogen phosphide used as insecticides and pesticides.

Somaiya disclosed that gastroenteritis cases were reported from tribal belts of Dhule, Nandurbar and other areas, after tribals consumed the inferior quality wheat.

Stating that the centre in its second tender of August 23 had further relaxed the tolerance limit of insecticides and pesticides in the imported wheat to dangerous levels, Somaiya added that officials themselves had pointed out that the imported wheat is best if consumed within 12 weeks from the date of shipment, or else the insects and pests resurface.

Speaking to DNA, Dr PY Mulye, associate professor of Medicine at Aurangabad medical college disclosed that organo-phosphorus compounds are known to cause vomiting, stomach cramps, gastroenteritis. “All these pesticides if taken in high concentration are dangerous for humans.

Malathion can affect the nervous system leading to numbness in the limbs,” added Dr Mulye.

Also, the Sena has planned a morcha on October 11 at the Mantralaya on the same
issue. The morcha will be led by leader of opposition Ramdas Kadam.