The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a press release dated May 20, 2025, emphasizing the prohibition of calcium carbide for artificial fruit ripening due to its associated health hazards, including mouth ulcers, gastric irritation, and potential carcinogenic effects. FSSAI urges all States and Union Territories to intensify inspections and enforcement drives to curb the illegal use of non-permitted ripening agents and synthetic coatings on fruits. The authority highlights the misuse of ethephon solutions, where fruits are directly dipped into the chemical, which is against the prescribed guidelines. FSSAI reiterates that ethephon should only be used as a source for generating ethylene gas in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) detailed in their guidance document. Violations of these norms will attract strict penal action under the FSS Act, 2006. FSSAI encourages all stakeholders, including Food Business Operators and consumers, to remain vigilant to ensure that only safe and legally compliant fruits reach the market.

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