FSSAI Cracks Down on Illegal Fruit Ripening, Orders Nationwide Inspections

Food safety regulators have stepped up action against the illegal ripening of fruits, with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India issuing fresh directions for stricter enforcement across the country.

The authority has ordered Commissioners of Food Safety in States and Union Territories, along with Regional Directors, to intensify monitoring of fruit markets and storage facilities.

The move aims to curb the use of banned chemical agents, particularly calcium carbide, which is commonly referred to as "masala" in trade circles and is used to hasten the ripening of fruits.

"It is reiterated that use of calcium carbide ('masala') is prohibited under Regulation 2.3.5 of the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011, for use as artificial ripening agent in fruits like mangoes, bananas, and papayas etc. as it poses serious health risks such as difficulty in swallowing, vomiting, skin ulcer, etc," the official communication from the FSSAI stated.

The directive also flags concerns over the misuse of ethephon solutions.

While ethylene gas is permitted as a ripening agent under controlled and safe conditions, the authority has found that some Food Business Operators are directly dipping fruits into chemical solutions, which violates prescribed norms.

How does FSSAI regulate ethylene use in fruit ripening?

"FSSAI's 'Guidance Note on Artificial Ripening of Fruits Ethylene gas - A Safe Fruit Ripener' strictly prohibits the direct contact of fruits/vegetables with ethylene (in powder or liquid form)," the statement read.

To tighten compliance, officials have been instructed to conduct special enforcement drives in wholesale markets and distribution centres, especially where seasonal fruits are handled.

The presence of banned substances during inspections will invite immediate legal action.

"In view of the above, all Commissioners of Food Safety of States/UTs and Regional Directors of FSSAI are advised to intensify inspections and maintain strict vigilance over fruit markets/mandis, as well as storage facilities, wholesalers, and distributors, particularly where seasonal fruits are stored and the use of substances like 'masala' is suspected," the order said.

"The presence of calcium carbide on the premises or alongside fruit crates may be treated as circumstantial evidence for initiating prosecution against the FBO under Section 59 read with Section 3(1)(zz)(iii) or Section 3(1)(zz)(vii) of the FSS Act, or other applicable provisions,” the order added.

Enforcement teams have also been authorised to use strip paper tests to detect acetylene gas in storage areas and ripening chambers.

The authority has further cautioned against the unauthorised use of wax and synthetic colours on fresh produce during these inspections.

With seasonal fruits widely consumed across households, the intensified crackdown is expected to bring greater scrutiny to supply chains and reinforce food safety standards in everyday markets.

(With inputs from ANI)