FSSAI cracks down on illegal fruit ripening; states told to step up raids

NEW DELHI: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has asked states and Union Territories to intensify inspections across fruit markets, mandis and storage facilities amid concerns over the continued use of banned and unsafe ripening agents such as calcium carbide.In a directive issued on Thursday, the regulator reiterated that calcium carbide—commonly referred to as “masala”—is strictly prohibited for artificial ripening of fruits like mangoes, bananas and papayas due to serious health risks. Exposure can cause vomiting, difficulty in swallowing and skin ulcers, among other complications.The move follows repeated advisories issued earlier, but enforcement gaps persist on the ground. Officials noted that some food business operators (FBOs) are still using hazardous practices, including direct application or proximity use of such substances in storage areas.The authority also flagged another concern: the misuse of ethephon solutions for ripening. While ethylene gas is permitted under controlled conditions as a safer alternative, FSSAI made it clear that fruits must not come in direct contact with ethylene in liquid or powder form. Any deviation from prescribed protocols would be treated as a violation.States have now been directed to carry out targeted inspections, particularly in facilities storing seasonal fruits where malpractice is more likely. Enforcement drives are expected to focus on detecting illegal agents, wax coatings and synthetic colours used to enhance the appearance of produce.Significantly, the presence of calcium carbide in premises or near fruit stocks may be treated as circumstantial evidence, allowing authorities to initiate prosecution under relevant provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act.To strengthen detection, officials have also been authorised to use strip paper tests to identify acetylene gas—an indicator of carbide use—in ripening chambers and warehouses.The directive signals a push for stricter on-ground vigilance ahead of the peak fruit season, when demand surges and the risk of unsafe ripening practices typically rises.