The Food Safety Standard Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued directives to state/UT food commissioners to take action against food business operators who are engaged in the unethical use of artificial fruit ripening agents, particularly in the ripening of mangoes during summers.
The apex food regulator has recently received multiple reports of food business operators failing to comply with FSSAI guidelines that prohibit direct contact between ethylene powder/liquid and fruits. This practice renders the fruits unsafe for consumption.
“It has been reported that FBOs are not following the said restrictions which is violation of the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) as well as unsafe practice to ripen the fruits artificially,” said FSSAI to all State/UT food commissioners in a letter.
The use of calcium carbide, popularly known as “masala,” as an artificial fruit ripening agent is prohibited under the 2011 FSSAI Regulations.
To ensure the safety and health of artificially ripened fruits, the FSSAI allows the use of ethylene gas up to a concentration of 100 ppm (100ul/L) depending on the crop, variety, and maturity level of the fruit.
The primary food regulator has instructed the states to conduct a special awareness campaign among food business operators (FBOs) regarding the proper use of ethylene gas as a ripening agent. Only the approved methods should be used for fruit ripening.
“Strict enforcement action shall be taken against any FBO found indulging in unapproved practices where ethylene powder/liquid is coming in direct contact with fruits, apart from checking any illegal use of calcium carbide for artificial ripening of fruits under your jurisdictions,” said the letter.
