Clause 2.3.5 of the Food Safety and Standards
(Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011, prohibits sale of
fruits which have been artificially ripened by use of acetylene gas commonly
known as carbide gas produced from Calcium Carbide. There is no provision of
use of ripening hormones under the Food Safety and Standards Act/ Rules/ Regulations.
However, the Ministry of Agriculture has recommended the use of ethylene gas in
low concentration exogenously to trigger ripening of fruits.
There are certain reports suggesting the use of the
chemicals like calcium carbide, ethylene and ethion
for the use of early ripening of fruits. However, no scientific validated
published information is available on the same.
Following the reports of use of the artificial
coloring/ ripening agents in vegetables/ fruits, a Joint Committee for Research
on Food Safety, was formulated in August, 2010 under Co-Chairmanship of the
Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Director
General, Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) to address the various
issues relating to the safety of using ripening and coloring agents, and any
other relevant issues in nutrition & food safety which emerge from time to
time. The Committee has recommended further research studies to generate
information/ data regarding the extent of use and effect of artificial ripening
agents and other chemicals in fruits and vegetables.
Implementation of the Food Safety and Standards Act/
Rules/ Regulations rests with State/U.T. Governments. The Commissioners Food
Safety/ Food (Health) Authority of States/ UTs who are responsible for
implementation of Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and its Rules/
Regulations in their States/ UTs, have been requested from time to time to keep
a strict vigil on use of carbide gas and other hazardous chemicals for ripening
of fruits and to take legal action for violation of the above provision of the
Act/ Regulations. The State Governments have also been advised to educate the
public through print and electronic media against consumption of such
artificially ripened fruits and vegetables. State Governments have taken
measures in this regard, such as ordering the Food Safety Officer (FSOs)/
Designated Officers (DOs) to keep watch on fruit markets, inspection of fruit
market, fruit stalls/ godowns, taking samples of
fruits, vegetables & milk, educating fruit vendors to refrain from using
these chemicals, etc.
This information
was given by Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare Shri Abu Hasem Khan Choudhury in
written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today.
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