Jammu & Kashmir Issues Advisory on Safe Fruit Ripening Practices

Jammu, May 30: The administration of Jammu and Kashmir has issued a stringent advisory concerning the artificial ripening of fruits, cautioning food business operators (FBOs) in the Union Territory against the use of the prohibited chemical, calcium carbide. To prevent health hazards, the public has been urged to buy fruits only from reputable vendors who confirm that their products have not been ripened using harmful chemicals. The Drug and Food Control Organisation (D&FCO) has highlighted the importance of adhering to safe and regulated practices in the ripening process, warning of potential penal action against FBOs who fail to comply with the specified guidelines. They emphasized that calcium carbide, known colloquially as "Masala," is banned due to its detrimental health effects. In response to the challenges posed by the ban on calcium carbide and the need for safe alternatives, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has authorized the use of ethylene gas for fruit ripening, provided FBOs follow the prescribed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). The advisory specifically addresses the ripening of climacteric fruits—those which can continue to ripen after being harvested at full maturity. These include bananas, guavas, avocados, mangoes, apples, pears, apricots, peaches, and tomatoes. The D&FCO noted that ethylene gas, along with compounds like ethanol and ethephon, may be used to initiate the ripening process under controlled conditions, ensuring that humidity, temperature, and exposure time are meticulously monitored. Direct contact of ethylene gas sources with fruits is prohibited, and only approved, labeled sources with clear manufacturer details should be used. Ethylene gas can only be used for ripening up to a concentration of 100 ppm (100 µl/L). Fruits should occupy no more than 75% of the chamber or crate volume during treatment. Additionally, FBOs are advised to install gas leakage monitoring systems in commercial ripening chambers and ensure proper spacing between stacked crates. It is also recommended that consumers wash their fruits thoroughly with potable water before consumption.

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