India’s food safety regulator, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, has directed state food safety commissioners to intensify inspections across fruit markets, mandis, storage godowns, wholesalers, and distribution centres to prevent the use of prohibited artificial ripening agents such as calcium carbide. The move comes amid growing concerns over unsafe ripening practices being adopted for seasonal fruits including mangoes, bananas, and papayas.
In its latest communication, the regulator reiterated that the use of calcium carbide, commonly referred to as “masala,” is strictly prohibited under food safety regulations due to the serious health hazards associated with it. According to the advisory, exposure to calcium carbide can lead to health complications such as vomiting, skin ulcers, and difficulty in swallowing, among other adverse effects.
The authority also expressed concern over the misuse of ethephon solutions by certain food business operators. While ethylene gas is permitted as a safe fruit ripening agent when used under regulated conditions, the FSSAI observed that some operators are directly dipping fruits into chemical solutions, which violates prescribed food safety standards. The regulator emphasized that its guidance note on artificial ripening strictly prohibits direct contact of fruits and vegetables with ethylene in powder or liquid form.
To strengthen enforcement, officials have been instructed to carry out special drives in wholesale fruit markets and storage facilities, especially in areas where the use of banned substances is suspected. The FSSAI stated that the presence of calcium carbide on the premises or alongside fruit crates could be treated as circumstantial evidence for initiating prosecution against food business operators under relevant provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act.
Additionally, enforcement authorities have been authorised to use strip paper tests for detecting acetylene gas in ripening chambers and godowns. The regulator also warned officials to monitor and prevent the unauthorised use of synthetic colours and wax coatings on fresh fruits during inspection drives, reinforcing its focus on ensuring consumer safety and compliance across the fresh produce supply chain.
