FSSAI cracking whip on food biz operators

New Delhi: Cracking the whip to eradicate the hazardous practices like ripening of fruits, excessive use of pesticides, and non-permitted artificial colors, the Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has directed its officers across the country as well as the authorities concerned in states and Union Territories (UTs) to keep strict vigil on food business operators (FBOs).

While the ripening of fruits is a natural phenomenon, for commercial use they have to be plucked before the natural process. Instead they undergo a process, by which fruits are ripened artificially in a controlled manner to achieve the desired outcome and a longer shelf life. Artificial ripening also facilitates the transportation of fruits like mangoes, for naturally ripened mangoes become soft and perishable, unsuitable for transportation to distant places.

A chemical, calcium carbide, known as ‘Masala’ in common parlance, is widely used as a ripening agent. The FSSAI has prohibited the use of calcium carbide because it may cause dizziness, frequent thirst, irritation, weakness, difficulty in swallowing, vomiting, skin ulcer, etc.

Further, calcium carbide releases acetylene gas, which is equally harmful to handlers. There are also chances that calcium carbide may come in direct contact with fruits during application and leave residues of arsenic and phosphorus on fruits.

The FSSAI recognizes ethylene as a safe fruit ripening agent at a concentration up to 100 ppm (100μl/L) depending upon the crop, variety, and maturity. The authority has also issued a standard operating procedure (SOP), detailing all aspects of the artificial ripening of fruits by ethylene gas.

However, there have been reports about the non-compliance of the approved ripening SOP. It is against this backdrop that the FSSAI has directed its own officials and state authorities to enforce compliance regarding ripening of fruits, excess use of pesticides, etc.

The authority has also directed them to promote awareness measures and the East Right India initiative.