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FSSAI notice on action against use of artificial fruit ripening agents
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Thursday, 27 April, 2023, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Ashwani Maindola, New Delhi
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The FSSAI has issued a notice asking state food safety departments for action against unauthorised use of artificial fruit ripening agents. The state officials were also asked to undertake special drive for making food businesses aware about various provisions prescribed by the FSSAI for the purpose of artificial fruit ripening.
“Strict enforcement action shall be taken against any FBO (food business operator) found indulging in unapproved practices where ethylene powder/liquid is coming in direct contact with fruits,” reads the notice issued by the FSSAI.
FSSAI has also asked for checking ‘illegal use’ of calcium carbide for artificial ripening of fruits.
The food authority further requested the state food safety departments to undertake a special drive for awareness building among FBOs about usage of ethylene gas as a ripening agent in an approved manner.
As per the FSS Act, in order to ripen fruit artificially, FSSAI has permitted the use of ethylene gas at a concentration of up to 100ppm (100µl/L) depending upon the crop, variety and maturity for the purpose of artificial ripening of fruits.
According to FSSAI, it was in receipt of complaints about FBOs not complying with the prescribed standard operating procedure, which strictly restricts the direct contact of ethylene powder/liquid with the fruits. This was in violation of the SOP, as well as unsafe practice to ripen the fruit. Also, use of calcium carbide is prohibited under the FSS Act as artificial ripening agent.
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