New Delhi, April 17 -- The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has directed all States and union Territories to step up surveillance and enforcement against the use of unauthorized and hazardous artificial ripening agents in fruits, reiterating that substances such as calcium carbide are strictly prohibited.
In a communication issued on April 16, FSSAI asked Commissioners of Food Safety, Regional Directors and Central Licensing Authorities to intensify inspections across fruit markets, mandis, storage facilities, wholesalers and distribution networks, particularly during the seasonal arrival of fruits.
The authority reiterated that the use of calcium carbide, commonly referred to as "masala", for artificial ripening is ba...