New Delhi, April 17 -- The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has ordered strict enforcement across states to intensify action against illegal fruit ripening agents, reiterating that the use of calcium carbide for artificial ripening of fruits such as mangoes, bananas, and papayas is strictly prohibited.

As per an FSSAI statement, the authority has directed all Commissioners of Food Safety in States and Union Territories, along with Regional Directors, to increase monitoring of fruit markets and storage facilities. The directive specifically targets the use of "masala," a common street name for calcium carbide, which is frequently used by traders to accelerate the ripening process.

"It is reiterated that use of calcium...