Srinagar, June 6:: Concerns are mounting in Kashmir over the potential health hazards posed by the artificial ripening of fruits, particularly bananas and mangoes, which are widely consumed, including by children. This follows a recent warning from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) cautioning traders, fruit handlers, and Food Business Operators (FBOs) against using the prohibited substance calcium carbide for artificially ripening fruits.
FSSAI has advised the Food Safety Departments of states and Union Territories to remain vigilant and take stringent action against persons indulging in such unlawful practices as per the provisions of the FSS Act, 2006, and the rules and regulations made thereunder.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a strong warning to traders, fruit handlers, and Food Business Operators (FBOs) using ripening chambers to adhere strictly to the ban on calcium carbide for artificial fruit ripening, especially during the mango season.
FSSAI has also urged State and Union Territory Food Safety Departments to remain vigilant and take stringent action against anyone engaging in this illegal practice under the provisions of the FSS Act, 2006 and its accompanying rules and regulations.
Calcium carbide, often used to ripen fruits like mangoes, releases acetylene gas, which contains dangerous traces of arsenic and phosphorus. Known as ‘Masala,’ these substances can cause severe health problems, including dizziness, frequent thirst, irritation, weakness, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, and skin ulcers. Additionally, acetylene gas poses significant risks to those handling it, as calcium carbide can leave residues of arsenic and phosphorus on fruits.
Due to these health hazards, the use of calcium carbide for fruit ripening is banned under Regulation 2.3.5 of the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011. This regulation clearly states, “No person shall sell or offer or expose for sale or have in his premises for the purpose of sale under any description, fruits which have been artificially ripened by use of acetylene gas, commonly known as carbide gas.”
In response to the widespread use of banned calcium carbide, FSSAI has authorized the use of ethylene gas as a safer alternative for ripening fruits in India. Ethylene gas, permissible at concentrations up to 100 ppm (100 μl/L) based on the crop, variety, and maturity, is a natural hormone in fruits that regulates ripening. Treating unripe fruits with ethylene gas initiates the natural ripening process, allowing the fruit to produce ethylene naturally.
Furthermore, the Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee (CIB & RC) have approved Ethephon 39% SL for the uniform ripening of mangoes and other fruits.
FSSAI has released a comprehensive guidance document, “Artificial Ripening of Fruits – Ethylene Gas a safe fruit ripener,” available here. This document provides a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for artificial fruit ripening using ethylene gas, covering restrictions, requirements for ethylene ripening systems, handling conditions, sources of ethylene gas, application protocols, post-treatment operations, and safety guidelines.
In Kashmir, most of the bananas sold in the region are imported unripened from other parts of the country and are artificially ripened using agents like ethylene gas in the HMT area of Srinagar. With no apparent checks from the authorities and inspections in the ripening chambers, residents remain apprehensive about the safety of these fruits.
“It’s terrifying to think that the fruits we feed our children could be laced with harmful chemicals,” said a worried mother from Srinagar. “I’ve heard stories of people experiencing nausea, vomiting, and even burning sensations in their mouths after consuming artificially ripened fruits. It’s a serious concern that needs to be addressed urgently,” added a resident.
However, fruit dealers claims that bananas in Kashmir are being ripened in chambers using ethylene gas, which is permissible and safe. He stated that calcium carbide has been banned everywhere and that they have asked dealers to follow central guidelines, which they are complying with.
Medical experts have acknowledged the potential health hazards of consuming fruits ripened with calcium carbide. The Head of the Department of Community Medicine at Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar warned that calcium carbide and acetylene gas pose multiple health challenges, ranging from acute mouth and nose irritation, difficulty in swallowing, persistent thirst, vomiting, dizziness, and fatigue to chronic skin damage, skin ulcers, kidney failure, neurological manifestations, teratogenic effects, increased risk of diabetes, cancer, inflammation, and damage to vital organs.
A doctor at SMHS stated that any adulterated food is not good for health and that preservatives could lead to serious health complications, although there has been no research on calcium carbide in Kashmir.
