@@INCLUDE-HTTPS-REDIRECT-METATAG@@ Be aware of fruits you eat Artificial ripening agent calcium carbide contains traces of arsenic, phosphorous

Be aware of fruits you eat Artificial ripening agent calcium carbide contains traces of arsenic, phosphorous

IMPHAL, May 8
With summer's scorching sun people are eying on fruits to cool off the heat. But beware as all fruits are not naturally ripen. The Office of the Designated Officer (Food Safety Admin) has informed all food business operators in Imphal East and Jiribam district that artificial ripening of fruits by using acetylene gas or calcium carbide is prohibited under Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restriction on Sales) Regulations, 2011.
When calcium carbide comes in contact with moisture, it produces acetylene gas, which accelerates the ripening process of fruits.
Use of calcium carbide or acetylene gas in ripening of fruits poses serious threat to health of consumers due to presence of traces of arsenic and phosphorous. This may cause vomiting, diarrhoea with or without blood, burning sensation of chest and abdomen, thirst, weakness, irritation, difficulty in swallowing, skin ulcer etc, said a notice of the Designated Officer (FSA) Imphal East.
Further, Food Safety Standards & Enforcement Wing of Imphal East & Jiribam will soon conduct awareness campaigns regarding the ill effect of use of artificial ripening agents, it said.