FSSAI Cracks Down on Hazardous Fruit Ripening Practices

May 18, 2024, New Delhi: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a strong warning to traders, fruit handlers, and Food Business Operators (FBOs) using ripening chambers to adhere strictly to the ban on calcium carbide for artificial fruit ripening, especially during the mango season.

FSSAI has also urged State and Union Territory Food Safety Departments to remain vigilant and take stringent action against anyone engaging in this illegal practice under the provisions of the FSS Act, 2006 and its accompanying rules and regulations.

Calcium carbide, often used to ripen fruits like mangoes, releases acetylene gas, which contains dangerous traces of arsenic and phosphorus. Known as 'Masala,' these substances can cause severe health problems, including dizziness, frequent thirst, irritation, weakness, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, and skin ulcers. Additionally, acetylene gas poses significant risks to those handling it, as calcium carbide can leave residues of arsenic and phosphorus on fruits.

Due to these health hazards, the use of calcium carbide for fruit ripening is banned under Regulation 2.3.5 of the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011. This regulation clearly states, "No person shall sell or offer or expose for sale or have in his premises for the purpose of sale under any description, fruits which have been artificially ripened by use of acetylene gas, commonly known as carbide gas."

In response to the widespread use of banned calcium carbide, FSSAI has authorized the use of ethylene gas as a safer alternative for ripening fruits in India. Ethylene gas, permissible at concentrations up to 100 ppm (100 μl/L) based on the crop, variety, and maturity, is a natural hormone in fruits that regulates ripening. Treating unripe fruits with ethylene gas initiates the natural ripening process, allowing the fruit to produce ethylene naturally.

Furthermore, the Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee (CIB & RC) have approved Ethephon 39% SL for the uniform ripening of mangoes and other fruits.

FSSAI has released a comprehensive guidance document, "Artificial Ripening of Fruits - Ethylene Gas a safe fruit ripener," available here. This document provides a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for artificial fruit ripening using ethylene gas, covering restrictions, requirements for ethylene ripening systems, handling conditions, sources of ethylene gas, application protocols, post-treatment operations, and safety guidelines.