Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, FSSAI has alerted traders, fruits handlers and Food Business Operators operating ripening chambers to strictly ensure compliance with the prohibition on calcium carbide for artificial ripening of fruits. Health Ministry said in a statement that FSSAI is also advising Food Safety Departments of States and UTs to remain vigilant and take serious action against persons indulging in such unlawful practices.
Calcium carbide, commonly used for ripening fruits like mangoes, releases acetylene gas which contains harmful traces of arsenic and phosphorus. These substances, also known as ‘Masala’, can cause serious health issues such as dizziness, frequent thirst, irritation, weakness, difficulty in swallowing, vomiting and skin ulcers. Acetylene gas is equally hazardous to those handling it. Health Ministry said there are chances that calcium carbide may come in direct contact with fruits during application and leave residues of arsenic and phosphorus on fruits.
Due to these dangers, the use of calcium carbide for ripening fruits has been banned under Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011. FSSAI has permitted the use of ethylene gas as a safer alternative for fruit ripening in India.
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