Health Ministry Gets Strict on Artificial Ripening of Fruits

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has asked the state authorities to keep a strict vigil on use of carbide gas for ripening of fruits. Use of carbide gas for ripening of fruits is prohibited under Rule 44 AA of Prevention of Food Adulteration Rules 1955. In a circular to all State Food (Health) authorities the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has stressed the need to take legal action for violation the PFA Rules. The circular also invited attention of the enforcement authorities in the states to the provisions that circumstantial evidence of presence of calcium carbide in godowns/wooden crates/premises kept together with fruits may be evidence for the courts that artificial ripening has been used by the vendor. The FSSAI has also circulated a copy of procedure for detection of acetylene in godown or treatment chamber for detection of artificial ripening of fruits.

The Union Minister of State, Health and Family Welfare, Shri Dinesh Trivedi directed the authorities to take up this issue with states. Shri Trivedi took up the issue as it compromises the health of millions of consumers. The minister felt that traders, retailers sometimes even growers, in order to, ensure a regular supply of fruits, much before their due time use all kinds of unscrupulous methods to ripen fruits artificially. It is also a violation of Prevention of Food Adulteration Rules 1955.

The implementation of Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954 and Rules 1955 is entrusted to state authorities. Samples of various food items are taken regularly by the State UT authorities and action is taken in case of any adulteration of food items.