FDA forms teams to act against artificial ripening of mangoes using calcium carbide
Use of calcium carbide can cause cancer, say experts
Sunday, 26 MAY 2024 | PNS | DEHRADUN
In view of the recent warning of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to traders and suppliers against using calcium carbide for artificially ripening mangoes, the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FDA) of Uttarakhand has formed teams to take samples of mangoes across the State. As per FSSAI, the artificial ripening of fruits, especially mangoes in summer by using prohibited substances like calcium carbide or acetylene gas poses a serious threat to the consumers’ health. The traces of arsenic and phosphorus present in calcium carbide can cause vomiting, diarrhoea with or without blood, burning sensation in the chest and abdomen, thirst and weakness, among other symptoms. According to the secretary of the Society of Pollution and Environmental Conservation Scientists (SPECS) Brij Mohan Sharma, calcium carbide contains impurities such as arsenic, lead particles, and phosphorus hydride that can also pose serious health risks when workers come into direct contact with the chemicals while applying the ripening agents. The potential health hazards include frequent thirst, irritation in the mouth and nose, weakness, permanent skin damage, difficulty swallowing, vomiting and skin ulcers. Higher exposure can also lead to undesired fluid buildup in the lungs (pulmonary edema). He said that the acetylene gas released by calcium carbide adversely affects the neurological system, reducing oxygen supply to the brain and inducing prolonged hypoxia. It is especially hazardous to pregnant women and children, potentially causing headaches, dizziness, mood disturbances, mental confusion, memory loss, cerebral edema (swelling in the brain due to excessive fluids), drowsiness, seizures and more. He further stated, “Calcium carbide is alkaline in nature and can erode mucosal tissue in the abdominal region and disrupt intestinal functions. Recently, cases of stomach upset have been reported after consuming mangoes ripened with calcium carbide. Eating such artificially ripened fruits can also lead to renal problems and possibly even cancer.” He said that artificially ripened fruits like mangoes and bananas often appear to ripen from the outside but stay raw from the inside. It is a serious concern and the authorities concerned should take strict action against those who continue to use calcium carbide against the rules and put several lives at risk. Talking about the FSSAI’s warning, the additional commissioner Tajber Singh said that teams have been formed in Garhwal and Kumaon regions to tackle this issue effectively. “The teams have started inspections and taking samples of mangoes to detect the presence of toxic chemicals. The FDA officials will also interact with the local producers and suppliers of fruits to educate them about the harmful effects of using prohibited chemical substances to ripen fruits,” he added. The secretary of the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) in Dehradun Vijay Thapliyal said that though such cases are hardly found in the State, they will also conduct a meeting with producers and suppliers of mangoes on Monday regarding the artificial ripening. He also informed that mangoes can be easily ripened by adopting natural processes like wrapping them up in newspapers or covering them with straws to promote natural ripening. “We encourage the producers and suppliers to always use such methods,” he added.
