Mango traders using calcium carbide will face action: FDA

MUMBAI: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has instructed mango traders not to use calcium carbide for artificially ripening mangoes.

"We have appealed to all mango traders not to use calcium carbide powder for artificially ripening mangoes. Those violating these norms will be dealt with under the Food Safety and Standards Act. However, traders can ripen mangoes by using ethylene gas-based ripening chambers. An official circular has already been sent to all the wholesale and retail mango traders," said S K Shere, joint commissioner, FDA (Konkan division).

The circular highlighted the hazards of using chemicals in this process. Apart from rendering the fruit tasteless, these chemicals also cause various health hazards such as low blood pressure, rashes, irritation in the eyes, throat and mouth.