The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), on April 16, 2026, issued an advisory to State/UT Food Safety Commissioners, Regional Directors, and Central Licensing Authorities regarding strict monitoring of unauthorized or prohibited artificial ripening agents in fruits. The advisory reiterates that use of calcium carbide (“masala”) for ripening fruits like mangoes, bananas, and papayas is strictly prohibited under the Food Safety and Standards Regulations, 2011 due to serious health risks.
The advisory highlights concerns over unsafe practices such as dipping fruits in ethephon solution and emphasizes that direct contact of fruits with ethylene (in liquid or powder form) is not permitted. While ethylene gas may be used safely under prescribed conditions, improper handling or misuse violates FSSAI guidelines and poses consumer health hazards.
Authorities have been directed to intensify inspections across mandis, storage facilities, wholesalers, and distributors, especially during peak fruit seasons. Enforcement actions, including special drives, prosecution under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and use of detection tools like strip paper tests, have been advised to curb illegal ripening practices and ensure food safety compliance.
