Arambagh, Hooghly, West Bengal: In a major food safety enforcement action, the West Bengal Food Safety Department recently confiscated and destroyed approximately 12,000–14,000 artificially ripened bananas at the Arambagh Municipality dumping ground in Hooghly district.
The action was taken following concerns over the illegal use of Calcium Carbide, a hazardous chemical prohibited for artificial ripening of fruits due to its potential health risks.
Bananas Destroyed at Arambagh Dumping Ground
According to the available information, food safety officials seized a large quantity of bananas suspected of being artificially ripened using Calcium Carbide. The confiscated fruits were subsequently transported to the Arambagh Municipality dumping ground and destroyed to prevent them from entering the market and reaching consumers.
Photographs from the site show workers handling crates of seized bananas and the disposal of the confiscated fruits at the dumping ground.
Why Is Calcium Carbide Prohibited for Fruit Ripening?
Calcium Carbide is sometimes illegally used to accelerate the ripening of fruits, including bananas and mangoes. When it reacts with moisture, it releases acetylene gas, which artificially triggers the ripening process.
However, commercial-grade Calcium Carbide may contain harmful impurities, including arsenic and phosphorus compounds. Exposure to these contaminants can pose serious health risks.
The use of Calcium Carbide for artificial ripening of fruits is prohibited under India’s food safety regulations.
FSSAI Regulations on Artificial Fruit Ripening
Under the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011, the use of Calcium Carbide for artificial ripening of fruits is prohibited.
FSSAI permits the use of ethylene gas under prescribed conditions for controlled fruit ripening. Ethylene is a naturally occurring plant hormone that helps regulate the ripening process.
Food business operators must ensure that fruits are ripened using permitted methods and comply with applicable food safety requirements.
Food Safety Enforcement and Consumer Protection
The destruction of approximately 12,000–14,000 bananas highlights the importance of regular food safety inspections and strict enforcement against the use of prohibited chemicals in the food supply chain.
Such enforcement actions are essential to prevent unsafe food products from reaching consumers and to strengthen compliance among fruit traders, distributors and other food business operators.
Consumers should purchase fruits from reliable sellers and remain aware of unsafe artificial ripening practices.
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