Pune: Action to Be Taken Against Use of Calcium Carbide to Ripen Mangoes

As the May month approaches the mangos season will begin and so will the demands for them. To full fill the demand of Mango Hapus some mango sellers are using ways to ripen mangos artificially. While the use of calcium carbide is banned for ripening mangoes, some sellers are using calcium carbide and acetylene gas. This is likely to pose a serious threat to the health of citizens. 

Against this backdrop, the Food and Drug Administration has undertaken an inspection campaign and has ordered action to be taken if calcium carbide is used for ripening mangoes. The Food and Drug Administration is conducting an inspection campaign of fruit traders and sellers in the market yard. If it is found that calcium carbide is used to ripen mangoes and other fruits, strict action will be taken. 

Also Read: Mango Prices Dip Ahead of Akshaya Tritiya, Boosting Festive Sales in Solapur

Although the use of ethylene gas is permitted for ripening mangoes, specific rules have been framed for it. It has to be followed by fruit traders and sellers. Spraying ethylene directly on fruits is prohibited, the Food and Drug Administration also informed.