On 13th March 2023, FSSAI issued a press release regarding the artificial ripening of fruits. It has prohibited the use of Calcium carbide for artificial ripening of fruits, due to its harmful nature. FSSAI has recognised ethylene gas as a safe ripening agent at concentrations up to 100 ppm (100 μl/L) and only through approved sources like ethephon, ethereal, etc. which are to be used in a correct manner. i.e., the fruits must not be dipped in ripening agent solutions.
A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) detailing all aspects of the artificial ripening of fruits by ethylene gas has already been issued by FSSAI. All traders/ fruit handlers/ FBOs operating ripening chambers must strictly comply with the above directions and refrain from using any prohibited material or deploying approved sources of ethylene in an incorrect manner for artificial ripening of the fruits. The unlawful practices will attract serious actions from the Food Authority.
Find the press release here
