effects of the use of these ripening agents
It would not be easy for fruit vendors to ripen fruits artificially now as the Union Health Ministry has decided to punish guilty vendors with up to six months in jail and fine of Rs. 1000. Experts stated that calcium carbide is often used by fruit vendors to ripen fruits like apples, mangoes, bananas, papayas etc. State authorities have been asked by the ministry to keep a strict vigil on use of carbide gas for ripening fruits. Under Rule 44 AA of the Prevention of Food Adulteration (PFA) Rules, 1955, it prohibits use of such chemicals. A circular to state food authorities has been sent by the ministry with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) pressing the need to take legal action for violation of the PFA rules. The copy of procedures for detection of acetylene has been sent by the FSSAI to godowns or treatment chambers. The use of such harmful chemicals to ripen fruits faster can cause cancer.
CaC2 leads to Acetylene Gas & has Arsenic & Phosphorous content which ripens Bananas, Mangoes, Watermelons, Papayas etc. but these are dangerous for the skin as it causes Allergies, Rashes & Cancer. Temperature & PPM level are the major factors affecting the ripening process. From the outlook of the fruit we can come to know about the use of artificial ripening agents the fruit does not have a uniform colour. Somewhere it will be more darker than another places. Also it will have legions some dark & some pale. It also emits strong smell & unless we wash or flush with plenty of water this smell does not go very easily. The best way to avoid these all problems is to purchase the material from renowned Whole Sellers, Distributors & vendors. Paying little extra is always better paying than paying a large sum to the Doctors/hospitals & on top of that loosing the good health forever. more