India recommends Fruit Traders to Prohibit the use of Calcium Carbide in Fruit Ripening

On May 18th, 2024, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India alerts “Fruit Traders to Ensure Compliance with Prohibition of Calcium Carbide in Fruit Ripening”.

The notification summarizes as follows:

• The FSSAI suggests being vigilant to take significant action against food traders who use calcium carbide for artificial ripening, particularly during mango season, per the FSS Act of 2006;
• Calcium Carbide has the potential to leave residues on fruit surfaces, it releases Acetylene gas, which contains dangerous amounts of Phosphorus and Arsenic and may cause major health issues to handlers as well as consumers;
• Usage of Calcium Carbide had been banned under Regulation 2.3.5 of the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011;
• The FSSAI recommends Ethylene gas up to 100ppm (100 μl/L), which is a safer substitute and promotes natural ripening;
• Ethephon 39% SL has been approved by the Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee (CIB & RC) to help mangoes and other fruits mature uniformly.

To view the complete regulation, check out the Food News Monitoring System and stay up to date with the latest regulatory information.