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Food regulator FSSAI has asked traders and food business operators not to use banned product ‘Calcium Carbide’ for ripening fruits. In an official statement, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) said it has asked traders/fruit handlers/food businesses operating ripening chambers to ensure strict compliance with the ban on calcium carbide for artificial ripening. Operators (FBOs) have been alerted. Fruits, especially in mango season”. (Also read: Raw mango vs ripe mango, which one is better for your health?)
FSSAI has advised the Food Safety Departments of States/UTs to remain alert and take serious action and deal strictly with persons involved in such illegal activities as per the provisions of the FSS Act, 2006 and the rules/regulations made thereunder.
“Calcium carbide, which is commonly used to ripen fruits like mangoes, releases acetylene gas, which contains harmful traces of arsenic and phosphorus.
FSSAI said, “These substances, also known as ‘masala’, can cause serious health problems like dizziness, frequent thirst, burning sensation, weakness, difficulty in swallowing, vomiting and skin ulcers etc. Are.”
Additionally, acetylene gas is equally dangerous for those handling it.
“There is a possibility that calcium carbide may come in direct contact with the fruits during application and may leave arsenic and phosphorus residues on the fruits,” the regulator said.
Due to these hazards, the use of calcium carbide for ripening fruits has been banned under the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sale) Regulations, 2011.
This regulation clearly states, “No person shall sell or offer for sale under any description fruits ripened artificially by the use of acetylene gas, commonly known as carbide gas. or keep for sale in his premises”.
Keeping in mind the issue of large scale use of banned calcium carbide, FSSAI has allowed the use of ethylene gas as a safe alternative for ripening fruits in India.
Ethylene gas can be used in concentrations up to 100 ppm depending on the crop, variety and maturity.
Ethylene, a hormone found naturally in fruits, regulates the ripening process by initiating and controlling a series of chemical and biochemical activities.
Treating unripe fruits with ethylene gas starts the natural ripening process until the fruit itself begins to produce sufficient amounts of ethylene.
Moreover, Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee (CIB&RC) has approved Ethephon 39% SL for uniform ripening of mango and other fruits.
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