The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on May 18, 2024, issued a notification to Alert the Fruit Traders to Ensure Compliance with the Prohibition of Calcium Carbide in Fruit Ripening.
The following has been stated:
• It has alerted traders/fruit handlers/Food Business Operators (FBOs) operating ripening chambers to strictly ensure compliance with the prohibition on calcium carbide for artificial ripening of fruits, particularly during the mango season. FSSAI is also advising Food Safety Departments of States /UTs to remain vigilant and take serious action and deal stringently against person(s) indulging in such unlawful practices as per the provisions of the FSS Act, 2006 and Rules/Regulations made thereunder.
• It has permitted the use of ethylene gas as a safer alternative for fruit ripening in India.
• The Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee (CIB & RC) has approved Ethephon 39% SL for the uniform ripening of mangoes and other fruits.
• It has published a comprehensive guidance document titled "Artificial Ripening of Fruits - Ethylene Gas a Safe Fruit Ripener" suggesting the Food Business Operators to follow the procedure for the artificial ripening of fruits.
[Press Release ID: 2021025]
