Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: HT
Context: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has urged food commissioners of all states and Union Territories to take action against the unauthorised use of artificial fruit ripening agents, such as calcium carbide, which has been prohibited.
About Calcium Carbide:
| Information | Description |
| Calcium carbide is a highly reactive compound that releases acetylene gas | |
| Common Uses | Used in mining and metal industries, and in the production of acetylene gas. |
| Function | Released acetylene gas which is used to artificially ripen fruits. |
| Health Consequences | The highly toxic substance can cause skin irritation, respiratory problems, and even cancer. |
| Prohibited Use | The use of calcium carbide as an artificial fruit ripening agent is prohibited under the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restriction on Sales) Regulation, 2011. |
| Warning by FSSAI | The Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI) has warned that the use of calcium carbide can lead to the formation of arsenic and phosphorus, which are poisonous in nature. |
| Reasons for Use | Calcium carbide is still being used as an artificial fruit ripening agent because it is cheap and an easier method. |
