Fruits have always been a part of balanced human diet. From fiber, vitamins, to all other essential minerals, they are a powerhouse of nutrition. Unfortunately, in recent years, fruits have become a threat to human health. The credit goes to use of toxic chemicals and ripening agents being excessively used to meet the demand and supply chain of the domestic market. To control this, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a fresh warning against unsafe ripening practices. Scroll down to read the details.
What does FSSAI say?
According to the latest X post by FSSAI, the food authority has directed all states and Union Territories to strictly enforce regulations against the use of prohibited artificial fruit ripening agents. The authority has asked the states to restrict the use of calcium carbide for artificial ripening of fruits such as mangoes, bananas & papayas.
What does the advisory read?
According to the advisory issused on April 16, the FSSAI has reiterated that substances such as calcium carbide, commonly referred to as “masala”, remain strictly prohibited for use in fruit ripening due to serious health risks. FSSAI clearly states: “Direct contact of fruits with ethylene (in powder or liquid form) is strictly prohibited.”
Concerns over the use of ethephon solution
The advisory has also raised concerns about the use of ethephon solutions for faster ripening of bananas and other fruits. FSSAI’s “Guidance Note On Artificial Ripening of Fruits Ethylene gas-A Safe Fruit Ripener’ strictyl prohibits the direct contact of fruits/vegetables with ethylene (in powder or liquid form). The Guidance document outlines all aspects of the artificial ripening process using ethylene gas. Ban on use of Calcium carbideThe circular refers to earlier advisories issued on May 16, 2025, and April 3, 2023, and underlines that the use of calcium carbide is expressly banned under Regulation 2.3.5 of the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011. The chemical has been historically misused to artificially ripen fruits such as mangoes, bananas, and papayas. It is mentioned that the use of this chemical can cause severe health issues, including difficulty in swallowing, vomiting and skin ulcers, making its use not only illegal but potentially dangerous.
Strict order for market surveillance
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a directive to the Commissioners of Food Safety across various states and Union Territories, in addition to its regional directors, urging them to ramp up their inspection efforts and closely monitor fruit markets, mandis, storage facilities, wholesalers, and distribution centres. Furthermore, the advisory recommends the initiation of targeted enforcement drives aimed at putting an end to the unauthorized use of calcium carbide, banned ripening chemicals, waxes, and synthetic colorants in the food supply chain.
What will be the legal action
The advisory explicitly states that the detection or presence of calcium carbide in any location on the premises or in the vicinity of fruit crates may be regarded as circumstantial evidence. This evidence may serve as a basis to initiate legal prosecution against food business operators. Legal actions can be pursued under applicable sections of the Food Safety and Standards Act, which encompasses provisions that address issues concerning unsafe and sub-standard food products. In addition, officials have been instructed to utilize strip paper tests that can effectively detect the presence of acetylene gas within storage facilities or ripening chambers, as such findings may indicate the illegal use of calcium carbide.
What is the Strip Paper Test
The test uses a moist indicator paper strip (often potassium permanganate–treated paper or similar reactive strips) that helps check for gases released from fruit, suspecting artificial ripening with calcium carbide. For the test, fruit is placed in a closed container, to which moist indicator strip is added and is left for a short while. If the strip shows noticebale discoloration or rapid color change, the chances of artificial ripening is considered high. It sometimes accompany an unusual smell or uneven ripening sign as well.
