In addition to conducting inspection efforts at storage facilities and godowns, the agency has asked its regional directors and food safety commissioners to keep an eye on the fruit markets and mandis.
In order to curb the widespread use of illicit fruit ripening techniques throughout the country, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has requested that states step up inspections. The organization has asked its regional directors and food safety commissioners to keep an eye on the fruit markets and mandis and to undertake inspection campaigns at godowns and storage facilities.
According to a statement released by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on Tuesday, “all States and Union Territories have been urged to intensify inspections and conduct special enforcement drives to curb the illegal use of non-permitted fruit ripening agents, as well as coloring and coating of fruits with synthetic colors or non-permitted wax.”
Ending the illicit use of artificial ripening agents, such as calcium chloride, also referred to as “masala,” to prematurely ripen fruits is the goal of the measures. Calcium chloride is prohibited for human ingestion for a long time since it poses major health hazards, ranging from ulcers and stomach irritation to potentially fatal diseases like cancer.
The 2011 Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restriction of Sales) Regulations forbid the use of calcium chloride to artificially ripen fruits. Authorities have demanded that anyone who violate the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act of 2006 face severe consequences.
The notification stated that the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act of 2006 may result in punishment of the Food Business Operator (FBO) if calcium carbide is found on the property or kept with fruit boxes.
Food business operators (FBOs) were instructed by the circular to adhere closely to the FSSAI’s legally recognized procedures for artificial fruit ripening. The regulator reiterated that only ethylene gas, when created and utilized in accordance with recognized procedures, is legally permitted. It also pointed out the misuse of ethephon, a material that is permitted to generate ethylene, for ripening fruits such as bananas.
In addition to requiring that ripening rooms maintain an airtight environment with carefully controlled humidity, temperature, and air circulation, the guidelines forbid direct contact between chemicals and fruits. Additionally, they need a dependable power source and an ethylene gas generating system.
