Hyderabad: After collecting and destroying 550 kg of artificially ripened fruits by placing Ethylene Cellulose wrappers near the Kothapet market area, authorities issued an advise on the proper processes for artificial ripening, according to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India.
The Food Safety Department of the Government of Telangana reiterates that ripening fruits with acetylene gas, also known as carbide gas, is prohibited. If such goods is discovered, it will be disposed of, and vendors would face a fine of up to Rs. 2 lakhs.
As an alternative to these techniques, Ethephon powder was recommended. It must be packed in 40-60 micron cellulose membrane paper or equivalent in the shape of little sachets. This ripening process can be employed when ripening chambers are unavailable or for in-transit ripening. The sachet must produce only ethylene gas and no calcium carbide or acetylene gas.
Implementation Guidelines for Ripening Chemicals:
– Keep the fruit in airtight boxes, or use paper or another material.
– Take the ethylene-forming sachet [(500 mg contains 50 mg 2 chloroethyl phosphonic acid (Ethephon)]. Dip it in water for 5-10 seconds.
– Place the water-soaked sachet (1 per 15kg fruit) in a perforated plastic box.
– Place the little plastic box with the sachet in the center of the fruit box/crate, which should hold 15 kg of fruit. The ethylene gas generated must not exceed 100 parts per million.
– After 24 hours, remove the little plastic box that contains the sachet.
Where can customers complain?
For Entire State:
Whatsapp – 9100105795
Twitter/Instagram – @cfs_telangana
Mail – diripmtg@gmail.com or fssmutg@gmail.com
For GHMC Zone:
Call – 040-21111111
Twitter – @afcghmc
