Strict Vigilance Ordered
In a significant move to protect public health, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a clear directive to all State Food Commissioners,
mandating enhanced surveillance across fruit markets and storage facilities. The primary focus of this intensified scrutiny is the rampant, yet illegal, use of artificial ripening agents. Specifically, the FSSAI has flagged calcium carbide, often referred to as 'masala,' a substance strictly prohibited for use in ripening fruits like mangoes, bananas, and papayas due to its severe health implications. The regulator's communication emphasizes the need for immediate and robust action, urging officials to maintain a keen eye on wholesalers, distributors, and especially areas where seasonal fruits are handled. The presence of such banned substances, even circumstantially alongside fruit crates, can now serve as grounds for prosecution against food business operators. This directive underscores FSSAI's commitment to ensuring that the fruits reaching consumers are safe and naturally ripened.
Health Hazards Identified
The FSSAI has highlighted the critical health risks associated with the consumption of fruits artificially ripened using prohibited methods. Calcium carbide, when used for ripening, releases acetylene gas. Exposure to this gas can lead to a range of adverse health effects, including serious gastrointestinal issues such as difficulty in swallowing and vomiting. Beyond immediate symptoms, it can also cause skin irritation and ulcers. Furthermore, the FSSAI has observed a concerning trend where some food business operators are resorting to dipping fruits, particularly bananas, in ethephon solutions for accelerated ripening. While ethylene gas is recognized as a safe ripening agent, FSSAI's 'Guidance Note on Artificial Ripening of Fruits' strictly prohibits the direct application of ethylene, whether in powder or liquid form, onto fruits and vegetables. This means direct contact with the chemical is forbidden, and ripening should only occur through controlled atmospheric exposure to ethylene gas.
Enforcement Drives Commence
To effectively combat the widespread misuse of ripening agents, the FSSAI is calling for dedicated enforcement drives. State food authorities are instructed to conduct special operations aimed at curbing the illegal application of calcium carbide and other non-permitted artificial ripening agents. The crackdown also extends to the use of unauthorized wax coatings and synthetic colors, which can mask the true condition of fruits and mislead consumers. The FSSAI is equipping enforcement officials with practical tools, such as strip paper tests, to detect the presence of acetylene gas in ripening chambers and godowns. The detection of acetylene can serve as critical evidence, potentially leading to prosecution even if the banned substance itself is not immediately found. This proactive approach aims to deter offenders and reinforce the regulatory framework governing fruit ripening practices across the country.
