The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has directed stricter enforcement across states to curb the illegal use of fruit ripening agents, reiterating that calcium carbide is strictly banned for artificially ripening fruits such as mangoes, bananas, and papayas.
Focus on ‘Masala’ in MarketsIn its latest directive, the regulator has instructed all State and Union Territory Food Safety Commissioners, along with Regional Directors, to intensify surveillance of fruit markets and storage facilities. The move specifically targets the use of calcium carbide—commonly referred to as “masala”—which traders often use to hasten ripening.FSSAI emphasized that the use of calcium carbide is prohibited under Regulation 2.3.5 of the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011.
The chemical poses serious health risks, including difficulty in swallowing, vomiting, and skin ulcers.Concerns Over Ethephon MisuseThe authority also flagged the misuse of ethephon solutions. While ethylene gas can be safely used under regulated conditions, some Food Business Operators (FBOs) have been found dipping fruits directly into chemical solutions—an act that violates safety norms. FSSAI’s guidelines clearly prohibit direct contact of fruits with ethylene in powder or liquid form.
Stricter Enforcement MeasuresTo ensure compliance, officials have been asked to carry out special enforcement drives in wholesale markets and distribution hubs. The presence of banned substances like calcium carbide at such sites will be treated as grounds for immediate legal action.Authorities have also been advised to maintain heightened vigilance in mandis, storage facilities, and distribution networks, especially where seasonal fruits are handled.
The discovery of calcium carbide on premises or near fruit stocks may be considered sufficient evidence to initiate prosecution under relevant provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act.In addition, enforcement teams have been empowered to use strip paper tests to detect acetylene gas in storage areas and ripening chambers. The regulator has also cautioned against the use of unauthorized wax and synthetic colours on fresh produce during inspections.
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