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FSSAI Warns Against Artificial Food Ripeners; Here’s How You Can Spot Artificially Ripened Fruits

FSSAI artificial fruit ripeners

India’s food regulator, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, has issued a strict warning. It has asked states to tighten checks on the illegal use of artificial fruit ripeners as they can be harmful. If you regularly buy fruits like mangoes, bananas, and papayas, you need to know this.

FSSAI Warns Against Artificial Fruit Ripeners

Fruits are a part of our daily life, especially in summer when we reach out for them for hydration. They give us fibre, vitamins, and essential nutrients. But in recent days, many suppliers have started using artificial colours and ripeners to make fruits look more appealing and meet high demand. This is not a safe practice. To control this, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a fresh warning.

FSSAI has asked states to intensify action against illegal fruit ripening agents like calcium carbide (masala). It is used for artificially ripening fruits such as mangoes, bananas, and papayas. This substance is strictly prohibited. It can cause serious health issues like difficulty in swallowing, vomiting, and skin ulcers.

Also Read: FSSAI Raids 1,401 Kg Of Adulterated Paneer From Godown In Surat; Tips To Identify Fake Paneer

How To Check Artificially Ripened Fruits At Home

The new guidelines do not only ban calcium carbide. They also flag the misuse of ethephon solutions, which some suppliers use to speed up ripening. According to FSSAI, direct contact of fruits and vegetables with ethylene (in powder or liquid form) is not allowed. While authorities are taking steps, you should also stay aware.

Here’s how to check artificially ripened fruits at home:

  • Check colour: Artificially ripened fruits often look too uniform.
  • Notice smell: They may have a chemical-like odour.
  • Look near the stem: Black or powdery residue is a sign.
  • Observe the texture: Soft outside but hard inside is a common indicator of artificially ripened fruits.

Also Read: Tomato Sauce Made With Chemicals & Acid Found In UP Raid; Tips To Identify Artificial Tomato Sauce

It is always better to buy fruits from trusted vendors or organic stores. Always check colour, smell, and texture before buying. 

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ Zzcapture (Representative Image)

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FAQs

What is an artificial food ripener?

An artificial food ripener is a chemical used to speed up fruit ripening, which is often considered unsafe.

What is FSSAI?

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India is an autonomous statutory body. It regulates the manufacturing, storage, sale, and import of food in India.

How to buy safe fruits?

Ashmeet Guliani: A coffee lover at heart, Ashmeet is a writer who enjoys exploring new cafes and discovering hidden gems. When not working, she is found reading, playing with dogs, or dreaming up a new coffee recipe to try.