FSSAI Cracks Down on Illegal Fruit Ripening Practices

The FSSAI mandates strict oversight on fruit markets nationwide to prevent the use of calcium carbide for ripening fruits like mangoes and bananas. The agency emphasizes the health risks and illegal practices associated with the chemical and urges increased monitoring and enforcement to ensure food safety compliance.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a directive to enhance monitoring and enforcement against illegal fruit ripening practices across the country. This move targets the widespread use of calcium carbide, commonly known as 'masala,' which is prohibited for ripening fruits like mangoes, bananas, and papayas due to its health risks.

The FSSAI's directive, which references Regulation 2.3.5 of the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011, underscores the dangers associated with calcium carbide. The chemical can cause serious health issues such as difficulty in swallowing, vomiting, and skin ulcers. The authority has also raised concerns over the misuse of ethephon and ethylene solutions by some Food Business Operators (FBOs), stressing that direct contact of fruits with these chemicals is against safety protocols.

In their ongoing campaign to ensure compliance, the FSSAI has instructed state and union territory food safety commissioners and regional directors to carry out rigorous inspections at fruit markets and storage facilities. Special enforcement drives will focus on the detection of banned substances and adherence to safety standards, with legal actions being initiated against violators.

(With inputs from agencies.)