FOOD regulator FSSAI has asked all States to check illegal use of ripening agents and synthetic coatings for fruits as part of its efforts ensue safe food for people. “The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has urged all States and Union Territories to intensify inspections and carry out special enforcement drives to curb the illegal use of non-permitted fruit ripening agents, as well as colouring and coating of fruits with synthetic colours or nonpermitted wax,” the regulator said in a statement on Tuesday.

 

The Commissioners of Food Safety of all States/UTs and RegionalDirectorsofFSSAIhave beenrequested tomaintainstrict vigilance over fruit markets and mandis, tocurbillegaluseof fruit ripening using agents like calcium carbide, commonly known as ‘masala’. As part of the enforcement drive, FSSAI has suggested that inspection of godowns and storage facilities, particularly those suspected of using substances like calcium carbide for ripening, may be carried out.