With the use of chemicals such as oxytocin and copper sulphate to mature fruits and veggies turning a matter of worry, Minister of State for Health Dinesh Trivedi said that study on the long-lasting impact of the chemicals on people's physical condition will be undertaken shortly.

While answering a calling attention motion in the Rajya Sabha on sale of veggies and food injected with medicines and adulteration of other food items, Trivedi said, "A combined research will be done by the ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) and the ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research) to find out the long term impact of the chemicals being used in fruits and vegetables on health."

Replying to the fears lifted by the members over the growing usage of chemicals, Mr. Trivedi stated that states have been educated to maintain a strict vigilance.

"The state food authorities have also been advised to be vigilant against such malpractices and take preventive measures, including random collection of samples of vegetables and fruits at regular intervals," Mr. Trivedi said.

The minister added that 73 laboratories to verify such ruining were already operating across India and anyone can approach then.

"We are also planning to start mobile vans for checking food adulteration," he added.

Answering a suggestion by a few members on making laws providing for strict punishment for such practices, the minister said that such provisions will soon be brought under the food safety act. (With Inputs from Agencies)