Title: Market Official Dispels Citrus Safety Rumors, Forecasts Price Stability for Key Produce
Tehran, Iran – A senior official from Tehran’s fruit and vegetable markets has moved to quell public concern, firmly denying a resurfaced rumor about the safety of oranges and predicting a swift return to price stability for tomatoes and other seasonal goods.
Dismissing a “Baseless” Claim
In an exclusive statement, Akbar Yavari, the Head of Tehran’s Fruit and Vegetable Sellers Union, addressed a recently recirculated interview that alleged harmful practices in the citrus industry. Yavari explicitly labeled the claims as unfounded.
“The assertion of ‘injecting poison into oranges’ is fundamentally incorrect,” Yavari stated. He clarified that the interview in question was originally conducted 40 to 50 days ago and expressed puzzlement over its recent republication, noting it has been “unhelpful and has only created incorrect narratives.”
Contextualizing the Citrus Process
Yavari provided context, explaining that the original discussion was about a routine, early-season practice for oranges harvested while still green. “The harvest season begins in mid-autumn. At that time, oranges are naturally green, and color-enhancement methods are sometimes used to improve the fruit’s appearance for the market,” he detailed.
He assured the public that oranges currently available are fully ripe and have naturally developed their color, making any such processes entirely unnecessary at this point in the season.
Addressing Quality and Market Dynamics
Responding to questions about the juiciness of some oranges, Yavari attributed it to natural seasonal progression. “Oranges at the very beginning of the season typically have less water content. This is a normal occurrence that resolves itself as the fruit matures fully,” he explained.
Focus on Price Stabilization
Shifting focus to recent price increases for produce like tomatoes, Yavari pointed to seasonal transitions and export dynamics as key factors. He outlined a clear path toward market equilibrium, noting that a period of concentrated supply from a single region coincided with open export routes.
“This situation temporarily reduced domestic supply,” Yavari acknowledged. However, he offered a reassuring forecast: “Within the next 15 to 20 days, with the arrival of tomatoes from the Bushehr region, we anticipate prices will decrease, supply will return to normal, and the market will regain its stability.”
The official’s comments aim to provide clarity and confidence to consumers, emphasizing that current market fluctuations are temporary and linked to predictable agricultural and trade cycles.