The Aryavarth Express
Agency (New Delhi): The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a strict warning to fruit traders, handlers, and Food Business Operators (FBOs) operating ripening chambers, emphasizing the prohibition of calcium carbide for artificial fruit ripening, particularly during the mango season. The FSSAI advises Food Safety Departments of States and Union Territories to remain vigilant and take stringent action against those violating this regulation as per the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act, 2006 and its associated rules and regulations.
Calcium carbide, often used to ripen fruits like mangoes, releases acetylene gas containing harmful traces of arsenic and phosphorus. Known as ‘Masala’, these substances can cause serious health issues including dizziness, frequent thirst, irritation, weakness, difficulty in swallowing, vomiting, and skin ulcers. Additionally, acetylene gas poses hazards to handlers and may leave residues of arsenic and phosphorus on fruits.
Due to these dangers, the use of calcium carbide for fruit ripening has been banned under Regulation 2.3.5 of the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011. This regulation clearly states, “No person shall sell or offer or expose for sale or have in his premises for the purpose of sale under any description, fruits which have been artificially ripened by use of acetylene gas, commonly known as carbide gas.”
In response to the widespread use of banned calcium carbide, FSSAI has approved the use of ethylene gas as a safer alternative for fruit ripening in India. Ethylene gas can be used at concentrations up to 100 ppm (100 μl/L), depending on the crop, variety, and maturity. Ethylene, a naturally occurring hormone in fruits, regulates the ripening process by triggering a series of chemical and biochemical activities. Treatment of unripe fruits with ethylene gas initiates the natural ripening process until the fruit itself produces substantial quantities of ethylene.
Furthermore, the Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee (CIB & RC) has approved Ethephon 39% SL for uniform ripening of mangoes and other fruits.
FSSAI has published a detailed guidance document titled “Artificial Ripening of Fruits – Ethylene gas a safe fruit ripener,” suggesting that FBOs follow the recommended procedures for artificial fruit ripening. This document outlines the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) covering all aspects of artificial ripening using ethylene gas, including restrictions, requirements for ethylene ripening systems/chambers, handling conditions, sources of ethylene gas, application protocols, post-treatment operations, and safety guidelines.
Consumers noticing the use of calcium carbide or any improper ripening practices are encouraged to report to the respective State Commissioners of Food Safety.