Tainted with the chemicals, vegetables and fruits cause serious health hazards to consumers, health experts said.

The policy after formulation will be submitted to the ministries concerned for approval, according a decision taken in a recent meeting of the agriculture ministry with State Minister for Agriculture Mirja Fakrul Islam Alamgir in the chair.

"An extensive report on the artificial process of ripening bananas has prompted the ministry to formulate the policy as quickly as possible," an agriculture ministry official said.

Bangladesh Agriculture Research Institute (BARI) in its report said the use of toxic chemicals to enhance the look of fruits and vegetables was a case in point.

"Unscrupulous businessmen use chemicals to lure consumers into buying their products," the report said.

Having talked to farmers and traders of Shakhipur and Ghataile in Tangail, BARI report stated that toxic chemicals were used to make a quick buck and without knowledge of how to use these chemicals scientifically.

"Farmers use 39 to 42.5 percent ethylene in Tangail for seasoning vegetables and ripening fruits. This practice puts public health at risk," the report said.

The agriculture ministry formed three committees to investigate into the malpractice, based on the report.

One committee will look into the farmers' awareness in using toxic chemicals and the second will survey places where the practice frequently occurs.

Members of the first committee include representatives of the Agricultural Extension Department (DAE), BARI, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) and Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR).

The second committee with two members -- one each from the DAE and BARI -- will carry out the survey.

The third will include representatives from DAE, BARI, BARC, BCSIR, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University and agriculture ministry to make the final recommendations to frame the policy after evaluating the proposals from the other two committees.

Environment and health groups have demanded immediate intervention from the authorities to end the use of toxic elements in food.

The state minister for agriculture said: "As there is no proper instruction from the authorities, unscrupulous businessmen use hazardous chemicals in mangoes, melons, pineapples, guavas, papayas and tomatoes."

"It is already late. We should control the use of chemicals without any further delay as it has caused serious health hazards," he added.