The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a warning to food business operators regarding the unsafe artificial ripening of fruits. As per the provisions in sub-regulation 2.3.5 of Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011, the use of Calcium carbide also known as ‘Masala’ is prohibited as a ripening agent for artificial ripening of fruit. This is because Calcium carbide releases acetylene gas, which is harmful to human health.
In order to ensure that artificially ripened fruits are safe and healthy to consume, FSSAI permits the use of ethylene gas at a concentration of up to 100 ppm (100ยต1/L) depending upon the crop, variety, and maturity for the artificial ripening of fruits. The treatment of unripe fruits with ethylene gas triggers the natural ripening until the fruit itself starts producing ethylene in large quantities.
However, it has been brought to the notice of FSSAI that the food business operators (FBOs) are not complying with the said standard operating procedures (SoP) diligently, which specifically restricts the direct contact of the ethylene powder/liquid with the fruits. It has been reported that few FBOs are not following the said restriction which is in violation of the said SoP as well as an unsafe practice to ripen the fruits artificially.
The use of Calcium carbide for the artificial ripening of fruits is a common practice in India, especially for fruits like mangoes, bananas, and papayas. The use of Calcium carbide is not only illegal but also poses a serious health risk to consumers. Calcium carbide releases acetylene gas, which is a highly toxic substance that can cause serious health problems, including headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and even coma.
To prevent the use of Calcium carbide, FSSAI has approved the use of ethylene gas for the artificial ripening of fruits. Ethylene gas is a natural ripening agent that is safe and effective when used in approved concentrations. However, FSSAI has found that some food business operators are not following the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for using ethylene gas, which prohibits direct contact with fruits.
The SOP for artificial ripening of fruits using ethylene gas was developed by a Working Group constituted at FSSAI and is available on their website. It provides detailed guidance on all aspects of the artificial ripening of fruits using ethylene gas, including the safe and approved methods of application. The SOP also specifies the concentration of ethylene gas that can be used for different types of fruits, depending on their variety and maturity.
FSSAI has requested food business operators to comply with the approved methods of using ethylene gas and to avoid any unapproved practices. They have also emphasized the importance of following the SOPs for the safe and effective artificial ripening of fruits. FBOs who violate the SOPs and use unapproved methods for ripening fruits will be subjected to strict enforcement action by FSSAI.
The use of unapproved methods for the artificial ripening of fruits can have serious health consequences for consumers. Fruits that are ripened using Calcium carbide or unapproved methods can have high levels of toxic chemicals, which can cause a wide range of health problems, including cancer, respiratory problems, and neurological disorders.
Consumers should be aware of the risks associated with artificially ripened fruits and should avoid purchasing fruits that show signs of artificial ripening. Signs of artificial ripening include unnaturally bright colors, uneven ripening, and the presence of powdery residues on the fruit’s surface.
In conclusion, the use of Calcium carbide for the artificial ripening of fruits is illegal and poses a serious health risk.
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