Applying only the types of chemical agents permitted by national regulations and applying them at the specified safe dosages should result in fruit that is safe for human consumption. However, in reality, many fruit growers and vendors excessively use growth accelerators, ripening agents, and enlarging agents during cultivation; excessive preservatives during storage; and colorants, waxing, bleaching, and dyeing during sale. The overuse and overdosing of chemical agents has become a serious public hazard that threatens people's health. The reasons for this situation are attributed by some to inadequate supervision and management by the relevant authorities. Objectively speaking, with China's vast population and large area, it is extremely difficult for certain departments to oversee everything alone. Others attribute it to fruit growers and vendors being driven by profit and forgetting their moral obligations. This has some truth to it, but it is not the complete picture. The most important reason is that consumers "judge fruit by its appearance." The market is ultimately determined by consumers; what consumers like is what producers will sell. We all like to buy large and brightly colored fruit, so naturally, some people cater to this preference. If consumers were to stop buying these problematic fruits, then these practices of "falsifying and poisoning" would not exist.
Knowledge is power, and without it, one can only be harmed. Here, 12 commonly consumed "problematic" fruits, compiled from internet sources, are presented to the public. The purpose is to help consumers learn more about this issue and try to avoid harm from these products. Consume with knowledge and be a rational consumer; this is a way to be responsible for oneself and one's family. When consumers become "smart," the market will be clean!
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