Food Safety / FSSAI Issues Strict Guidelines Against Artificial Fruit Ripening Chemicals
·1 hour ago·1 min read
Key Points
FSSAI has directed states to step up enforcement against the use of illegal fruit ripening agents, reiterating that substances such as calcium carbide are strictly prohibited.
New Delhi, Apr 17: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued stringent directives to curb the use of unauthorized and banned chemicals for artificially ripening fruits.
FSSAI clarified that calcium carbide is completely prohibited.
Despite its widespread use to hasten the ripening of fruits such as mangoes, bananas, and papayas, the chemical poses serious health risks including vomiting, throat irritation, and skin diseases.
The authority also flagged the practice of dipping fruits in ethephon solution, which has been observed among some traders, and firmly rejected its use. Direct exposure of fruits to ethylene gas has also been banned.
To enforce compliance, FSSAI has directed food safety commissioners across all states and union territories to maintain strict surveillance over markets, warehouses, and distributors. Any illegal use of calcium carbide or other chemicals will invite severe punitive action.
Additionally, specialised testing mechanisms will be deployed to detect acetylene gas in warehouses or ripening chambers, ensuring that fruits reaching consumers are safe and naturally ripened.
FSSAI clarified that calcium carbide is completely prohibited.
Despite its widespread use to hasten the ripening of fruits such as mangoes, bananas, and papayas, the chemical poses serious health risks including vomiting, throat irritation, and skin diseases.
The authority also flagged the practice of dipping fruits in ethephon solution, which has been observed among some traders, and firmly rejected its use. Direct exposure of fruits to ethylene gas has also been banned.
To enforce compliance, FSSAI has directed food safety commissioners across all states and union territories to maintain strict surveillance over markets, warehouses, and distributors. Any illegal use of calcium carbide or other chemicals will invite severe punitive action.
Additionally, specialised testing mechanisms will be deployed to detect acetylene gas in warehouses or ripening chambers, ensuring that fruits reaching consumers are safe and naturally ripened.
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