Share
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), has issued a warning to all traders, food business operators, and fruit handlers regarding the ban on using the chemical compound calcium carbide. This chemical compound is used to ripen the fruits artificially. After issuing an official statement in which they have said strictly that the use of calcium carbide is prohibited for this purpose, specifically during the mango season when the practice is commonly observed.
Image Credit: Freepik
Calcium carbide is a common chemical used to ripen fruits artificially. Like mangoes, in this season of mango, this practice has become more frequent. It is a dangerous substance that can pose serious health risks. According to FSSAI, when calcium carbide is applied to fruits, it releases acetylene gas, which contains harmful traces of arsenic and phosphorus. These substances, often referred to as "Masala," can cause a range of troubling symptoms in those who consume the treated fruits, including dizziness, frequent thirst, irritation, weakness, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, and even skin ulcers.
Image Credit: Freepik
Calcium carbide fruits are harmful to consumers and to the people who handle them. When these fruits come in direct contact with people, they leave toxins like arsenic and phosphorus compounds. Due to these significant health concerns, the use of calcium carbide for fruit ripening has been banned in India under food safety regulations.
Image Credit: Freepik
As a safer alternative, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has permitted the use of ethylene gas for fruit ripening. Ethylene is a naturally occurring hormone that regulates the ripening process in fruits. Applying ethylene gas triggers the natural ripening cycle without introducing any harmful substances. The Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee has even approved the use of Ethephon 39% SL, a formulation that can uniformly ripen mangoes and other fruits. This shift towards natural, ethylene-based ripening methods aims to protect consumers from the dangers of artificial calcium carbide treatments.
