New Delhi, May 20: FSSAI calls for crackdown on illegal fruit ripening practices States and Union Territories directed to enforce norms, inspect godowns and storage facilities for use of banned substances like calcium carbide.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has directed all States and Union Territories to intensify inspections and carry out targeted enforcement drives to curb the illegal use of non-permitted fruit ripening agents and synthetic coatings.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India 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.
Commissioners of Food Safety in States and Union Territories, along with FSSAI’s Regional Directors, have been asked to maintain strict vigilance over fruit markets and mandis.
The move is aimed at addressing the use of calcium carbide - commonly referred to as ‘masala’ - for artificial ripening of fruits. As part of the ongoing enforcement campaign, the regulator has recommended inspections of godowns and storage units, particularly those suspected of using hazardous substances for fruit ripening.
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, potentially leading to prosecution under the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act 2006,” the statement said.
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.
The regulator also warned that violations of these guidelines would attract strict penal action.
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