The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has directed states and Union Territories to step up action against the use of illegal chemicals for ripening fruits. The move comes amid concerns over the continued use of harmful substances like calcium carbide in markets. 

Ban on calcium carbide reiterated

In a post on X, FSSAI reiterated that the use of calcium carbide, commonly known as “masala”, is strictly banned for ripening fruits such as mangoes, bananas, and papayas.