Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Apr 17: Food regulator FSSAI on Thursday directed state food commissioners to step up inspections across fruit markets and storage facilities to curb the use of banned artificial ripening agents such as calcium carbide.

In a communication, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) asked officials to closely monitor the sale of fresh fruits to detect the use of unauthorised or prohibited substances for ripening.

The regulator reiterated that calcium carbide, commonly referred to as “masala,” is strictly prohibited for ripening fruits like mangoes, bananas, and papayas under existing regulations. It warned that the chemical poses serious health risks, including difficulty in swallowing, vomiting, and skin ulcers.

FSSAI also flagged concerns over certain food business operators (FBOs) using ethephon solutions to artificially ripen fruits. It clarified that as per its guidelines, fruits and vegetables must not come into direct contact with ethylene in powder or liquid form.

“All Commissioners of Food Safety of States/UTs and Regional Directors of FSSAI are advised to intensify inspections and maintain strict vigilance over fruit markets, mandis, storage facilities, wholesalers, and distributors, particularly where seasonal fruits are stored and the use of such substances is suspected,” the authority said.

The regulator further called for special enforcement drives to prevent the illegal use of calcium carbide and other non-permitted ripening agents, along with synthetic colours and wax.

It added that the presence of calcium carbide near fruit crates could be treated as circumstantial evidence for initiating prosecution against violators. Enforcement officials have also been advised to use strip paper tests to detect acetylene gas in godowns or ripening chambers.