FSSAI Directs States to Crack Down on Unlawful Fruit Ripening Practices

Sri Vijaya Puram | April 17, 2026

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a recent directive to all States and Union Territories, calling for intensified monitoring and strict enforcement towards the usage of unauthorized and prohibited synthetic ripening brokers in fruits.

In a communication dated April 16, 2026, FSSAI reiterated that the usage of calcium carbide—generally known as “masala”—for synthetic ripening stays strictly prohibited underneath the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011. The authority warned that the chemical poses critical well being dangers, together with problem in swallowing, vomiting, pores and skin ulcers, and different problems.

The advisory additionally flagged considerations over sure Food Business Operators (FBOs) reportedly utilizing ethephon options to artificially ripen fruits similar to bananas. FSSAI clarified that direct contact of vegetables and fruit with ethylene—in powder or liquid kind—shouldn’t be permitted. Instead, solely regulated use of ethylene fuel as per prescribed security pointers is allowed.

In view of those violations, FSSAI has instructed Commissioners of Food Safety, Regional Directors, and licensing authorities to step up inspections throughout fruit markets, mandis, storage services, wholesalers, and distribution networks. Special focus has been positioned on areas dealing with seasonal fruits the place the probability of unlawful ripening practices is greater.

The authority has additional known as for particular enforcement drives to curb the usage of banned substances, together with calcium carbide, non-permitted ripening brokers, wax, and artificial colors. It said that the presence of calcium carbide at storage or sale factors could also be handled as circumstantial proof for initiating prosecution underneath related provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act.

Additionally, enforcement officers have been suggested to make use of strip paper assessments to detect acetylene fuel in warehouses or ripening chambers, which can point out the usage of unlawful ripening strategies.

The transfer is geared toward safeguarding public well being and guaranteeing that fruits reaching customers are protected and free from dangerous chemical substances.