FSSAI alerts fruit traders to prohibit use of Calcium Carbide for fruit ripening
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has alerted the operators of the ripening chambers to prohibit the use of Calcium Carbide for artificially ripening the fruits. It has alerted all the fruit traders, handlers, and Food Business Operators (FBOs) to comply with the prohibition strictly, particularly during the mango season. FSSAI has also advised Food Safety Departments of States and UTs to remain vigilant and take stringent action against those engaging in such unlawful practices under the FSS Act, 2006, and its regulations.
Calcium carbide, commonly used for ripening 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 swallowing, vomiting, and skin ulcers. Additionally, acetylene gas poses hazards to handlers, and calcium carbide residues may remain on fruits, posing further health risks.
Due to these dangers, the use of calcium carbide for ripening fruits has been banned under Regulation 2.3.5 of the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011. This regulation explicitly prohibits the sale or exposure of fruits artificially ripened by acetylene gas.
In light of 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, used at concentrations up to 100 ppm, naturally regulates the ripening process in fruits. The Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee (CIB & RC) has also approved Ethephon 39% SL for uniform ripening of mangoes and other fruits.
FSSAI has published a comprehensive guidance document titled “Artificial Ripening of Fruits – Ethylene Gas a Safe Fruit Ripener,” outlining a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for using ethylene gas for artificial ripening. This document includes restrictions, requirements for ethylene ripening systems, handling conditions, sources of ethylene gas, protocols for application, post-treatment operations, and safety guidelines.
Consumers noticing any use of calcium carbide or improper ripening practices are encouraged to report to the State Commissioners of Food Safety. Contact details for Commissioners of Food Safety of all States/UTs are available on the FSSAI website.
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