File photo NEW DELHI: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has asked states and Union Territories to intensify inspections across fruit markets, mandis and storage facilities amid concerns over the continued use of banned and unsafe ripening agents such as calcium carbide.In a directive issued on Thursday, the regulator reiterated that calcium carbide—commonly referred to as “masala”—is strictly prohibited for artificial ripening of fruits like mangoes, bananas and papayas due to serious health risks. Exposure can cause vomiting, difficulty in swallowing and skin ulcers, among other complications.The move follows repeated advisories issued earlier, but enforcement gaps persist on the ground. Officials noted that some food business operators (FBOs) are still using hazardous practices, including direct application or proximity use of such substances in storage areas.The authority also flagged another concern: the misuse of ethephon solutions for ripening. While ethylene gas is permitted under controlled conditions as a safer alternative, FSSAI made it clear that fruits must not come in direct contact with ethylene in liquid or powder form. Any deviation from prescribed protocols would be treated as a violation.States have now been directed to carry out targeted inspections, particularly in facilities storing seasonal fruits where malpractice is more likely. Enforcement drives are expected to focus on detecting illegal agents, wax coatings and synthetic colours used to enhance the appearance of produce.Significantly, the presence of calcium carbide in premises or near fruit stocks may be treated as circumstantial evidence, allowing authorities to initiate prosecution under relevant provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act.To strengthen detection, officials have also been authorised to use strip paper tests to identify acetylene gas—an indicator of carbide use—in ripening chambers and warehouses.The directive signals a push for stricter on-ground vigilance ahead of the peak fruit season, when demand surges and the risk of unsafe ripening practices typically rises.About the AuthorAnuja JaiswalAnuja Jaiswal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, with an impressive 18-year career in narrative journalism. She specializes in health and heritage reporting, expertly simplifying complex health information to make it engaging and understandable for readers. Her deep dives into heritage topics are well-researched, resulting in captivating narratives that resonate with her audience. Over the years, she has worked in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh and West UP, gaining diverse on-ground experience that shapes her storytelling.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Political Demonetisation’: Shashi Tharoor Blasts Govt For Linking Women Quota To DelimitationRed Fort Blast Probe Twist: White Collar Module Used JeM Name To Mask Bigger Terror Revival PlanPakistan Reacts After India’s Delimitation Bill Includes Pakistan-Occupied Jammu & KashmirTCS Nashik Row Takes Twist As Accused’s Kin Calls Case Scripted, Alleges Bajrang Dal’s Involvement’International Law Must Be Respected’: India Urges Restoration Of Safe Navigation In Hormuz At UNGA’Pakistan’s Role Discussed’: Shashi Tharoor On Foreign Secretary Briefing On West Asia Conflict‘I Am Warning Govt’: AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi Says Delimitation Could Become ‘Permanent Wound’’Never Be Forgiven’: PM Modi Dares Opposition On Women Quota Bill, Priyanka Gandhi Questions Timing‘Won’t Reduce South’s Share’: Amit Shah Clarifies On Delimitation, Calls Oppn Claims ‘Misleading’Hal’s Light Utility Helicopter Explained: Specs, Altitude Edge And Why It Matters123PhotostoriesApril New Moon 2026: Manifest your desires on New Moon night; based on your numberImportance of food safety and hygiene: 9 key guidelines for school level kitchens under Mid-Day Meal SchemeRicky Ponting’s ₹173 crore ‘trophy home’ in Toorak, Melbourne screams luxury with a private tennis court, designer pool, and cricket memorabilia10 unforgettable souvenirs from Nepal trip that capture the spirit of the Himalayas7 places where nature’s loudest sounds can be heardChef Ranveer Brar appointed Odisha Brand Ambassador: What makes Odisha’s Temple Cuisine so sacred and special12 research-backed habits highly intelligent people avoid but most people do every day5 Japanese wisdom quotes to help kids stay strong and keep goingViswanathan Anand’s Chennai home: A blend of simplicity, legacy, and chess8 rare baby boy names that start with the letter ‘K’123Hot PicksIran warWipro buyback planPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingNashik TCSAmir HamzaDelhi Brigadier Assualt CaseMadhya Pradesh Rape NewsDelhi WeatherAyaan AhmedMunawar FaruquiNashik TCS CaseDelhi TrafficTiger Woods
NEW DELHI: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has asked states and Union Territories to intensify inspections across fruit markets, mandis and storage facilities amid concerns over the continued use of banned and unsafe ripening agents such as calcium carbide.In a directive issued on Thursday, the regulator reiterated that calcium carbide—commonly referred to as “masala”—is strictly prohibited for artificial ripening of fruits like mangoes, bananas and papayas due to serious health risks. Exposure can cause vomiting, difficulty in swallowing and skin ulcers, among other complications.The move follows repeated advisories issued earlier, but enforcement gaps persist on the ground. Officials noted that some food business operators (FBOs) are still using hazardous practices, including direct application or proximity use of such substances in storage areas.The authority also flagged another concern: the misuse of ethephon solutions for ripening. While ethylene gas is permitted under controlled conditions as a safer alternative, FSSAI made it clear that fruits must not come in direct contact with ethylene in liquid or powder form. Any deviation from prescribed protocols would be treated as a violation.States have now been directed to carry out targeted inspections, particularly in facilities storing seasonal fruits where malpractice is more likely. Enforcement drives are expected to focus on detecting illegal agents, wax coatings and synthetic colours used to enhance the appearance of produce.Significantly, the presence of calcium carbide in premises or near fruit stocks may be treated as circumstantial evidence, allowing authorities to initiate prosecution under relevant provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act.To strengthen detection, officials have also been authorised to use strip paper tests to identify acetylene gas—an indicator of carbide use—in ripening chambers and warehouses.The directive signals a push for stricter on-ground vigilance ahead of the peak fruit season, when demand surges and the risk of unsafe ripening practices typically rises.
