The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a stern warning to fruit traders, handlers, and Food Business Operators (FBOs) for using calcium carbide for ripening of fruits.
Calcium carbide is generally used for ripening fruits like mangoes. It releases acetylene gas.
The acetylene gas contains harmful traces of arsenic and phosphorus.
It can cause dizziness, frequent thirst, irritation, weakness, difficulty in swallowing, vomiting, and skin ulcers.
Acetylene gas poses hazards to handlers and could leave dangerous residues.
Under the Food Safety and Standards Regulations, the use of calcium carbide for ripening fruits is banned.
FSSAI has authorized the use of ethylene gas as a safer alternative for fruit ripening in India.
The Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee has approved Ethephon 39% SL for the ripening of mangoes and other fruits.
FSSAI has published a guidance document titled “Artificial Ripening of Fruits – Ethylene Gas a Safe Fruit Ripener”.
