FSSAI warns against using Calcium Carbide to ripen mangoes, here's how you can distinguish between them

Summer brings with it sweat, skin problems and soaring temperature. However, one thing that we love about summers is the availability of seasonal yummy fruits like mangoes, water melon and litchi.

Mangoes are almost everyone's favourite. With each bite, the juicy flesh offers a refreshing escape from the heat, tantalizing taste buds with a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess.

FSSAI warns fruits vendors against using Calcium Carbide to ripen mangoes

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has warned fuit vendors, traders and handlers as well as Food Business Operators (FBOs) to not use calcium carbide for artificially ripening any fruits including mangoes.

FSSAI has also asked to “strictly ensure compliance with the prohibition”. During the peak mango season some traders and fruit handlers tend to use calcium carbide to artificially ripen mangoes.

FSSAI has also asked “Food Safety Departments of States /UTs to remain vigilant and take serious action and deal stringently against person(s) indulging in such unlawful practices as per the provisions of FSS Act, 2006 and Rules/Regulations made thereunder.”

Tricks to differentiate between naturally ripened and artificially ripened mangoes

Whether enjoyed fresh, blended into smoothies, or sliced into salads, mangoes evoke the essence of summer, reminding us of lazy days under the sun and the simple joys of nature's bounty.

However, it can be tricky to differentiate between naturally ripened mangoes and those artificially ripened using chemicals. Here are some useful tips to help you easily distinguish between the two.

• Consuming mangoes ripened artificially may result in a burning sensation in the mouth or lead to abdominal pain, diarrhea, and throat irritation.
• Mangoes ripened with chemicals tend to be less juicy compared to naturally ripened ones, which are typically more succulent.
• Artificially ripened mangoes often display patches of yellow and green colours blending together, while organically ripened mangoes typically exhibit a consistent mix of green and yellow hues.
• When placed in a bucket of water, mangoes ripened with chemicals will float, while naturally ripened ones will sink.
• Remember to gently press mangoes when buying them; if they're soft to the touch, they've likely ripened on the tree, but if they feel hard, they may have been treated with chemicals.

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