FSSAI asks States to curb use of illegal ripening agents, synthetic coatings on fruits
Food regulator
FSSAI
has asked all states to check illegal use of ripening agents and synthetic coatings for fruits as part of its efforts ensue safe food for people. "The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has urged all States and Union Territories to intensify inspections and carry out special enforcement drives to curb the illegal use of non-permitted
fruit ripening agents
, as well as colouring and coating of fruits with synthetic colours or non-permitted wax," the regulator said in a statement on Tuesday.
The Commissioners of Food Safety of all States/UTs and Regional Directors of FSSAI have been requested to maintain strict vigilance over fruit markets and mandis, to curb illegal use of fruit ripening using agents like
calcium carbide
, commonly known as 'masala'.
As part of the enforcement drive, FSSAI has suggested that inspection of godowns and storage facilities, particularly those suspected of using substances like calcium carbide for ripening, may be carried out.
"The presence of calcium carbide on the premises or stored alongside crates of fruits will be treated as circumstantial evidence against the Food Business Operator (FBO), potentially leading to prosecution under the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act 2006," it said.
Calcium carbide is strictly prohibited for the
artificial ripening of fruits
under the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011.
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"The use of this substance poses serious health risks and is known to cause mouth ulcers, gastric irritation and has carcinogenic properties," the regulator pointed out.
Further, FSSAI has also identified cases where FBOs are using ethephon solution to artificially ripen bananas and other fruits by dipping them directly into the chemical.
In this context, the Authority has issued a comprehensive guidance document titled "Artificial Ripening of Fruits - Ethylene Gas: A Safe Fruit Ripener".
The document clearly states that ethephon could be used only as a source for generating ethylene gas and strictly in accordance with the prescribed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).
This SOP details all critical aspects of artificial ripening using ethylene gas, including restrictions, chamber requirements, handling conditions, sources of ethylene gas, application protocols, post-treatment operations, and safety guidelines.
"FSSAI urges all
Food Business Operators
to adhere to these SOPs to ensure safe and compliant ripening practices," it said.
The regulator warned that any violation of these norms will attract strict penal action.
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