New Delhi: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has alerted traders, fruit handlers and food business operators (FBOs) operating ripening chambers to ensure strict compliance with the ban. calcium carbide For artificial ripening Of fruits, especially in mango season.

FSSAI is advising the Food Safety Departments of States/UTs to remain alert and take serious action and deal strictly with persons involved in such illegal practices as per the provisions of the FSS Act, 2006 and the rules/regulations made thereunder. Family and Health Welfare gave this information in a press release.

Calcium carbide, which is commonly used to ripen fruits like mangoes, releases acetylene gas which contains harmful traces of arsenic and phosphorus. These substances, also known as ‘masala’, can cause serious health problems like dizziness, frequent thirst, burning sensation, weakness, difficulty in swallowing, vomiting and skin ulcers etc.

Furthermore, acetylene gas is equally dangerous for those handling it. The release said there is a possibility that calcium carbide may come in direct contact with the fruits and leave arsenic and phosphorus residues on the fruits.

Due to these hazards, 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 Sale) Regulations, 2011.

This regulation clearly states, “No person shall sell or offer or cause for sale under any description fruits ripened artificially by the use of acetylene gas, commonly known as carbide gas. Shall not keep in his premises for sale or keep in his premises for the purpose of sale.”

In view of the problem of large scale use of banned calcium carbide, FSSAI has allowed its use. ethylene gas As a safe alternative to fruit ripening in India. Ethylene gas can be used in concentrations up to 100 ppm (100 ml/litre) depending on the crop, variety and maturity.

Ethylene, a hormone found naturally in fruits, regulates the ripening process by initiating and controlling a series of chemical and biochemical activities. Treating unripe fruits with ethylene gas starts the natural ripening process until the fruit itself begins to produce sufficient amounts of ethylene.

Other than this, Central Pesticide Board And registration committee (CIB&RC) has approved Ethephon 39% SL for uniform ripening of Mango and other fruits.

The Ministry emphasized that FSSAI has published a comprehensive guidance document titled “Artificial Ripening of Fruits – Ethylene Gas in a Safe Fruit Ripening Machine” which provides guidance to food business operators on the process of artificial ripening of fruits. It is suggested to follow.

This document gives an outline standard operating procedure (SOP) covers all aspects of artificial ripening of fruits by ethylene gas. Restrictions, Requirements for ethylene ripening system/chamber, Handling conditions, Sources of ethylene gas, Protocol for application of ethylene gas from different sources, post treatment operationSafety guidelines etc.

“If any unfair practice is observed by consumers of using calcium carbide or ripening agents to artificially ripen the fruits, the same may be brought to the notice of the concerned. State Food Safety Commissioner To take action against such violators,” the release said.