Have you ever wondered how the fruits and vegetables that you see in supermarkets, are colourful all year around?
These are products that are high in consumer demand, and very often to meet these growing demands, producers engage in the use of unregulated, or harmful chemicals. This is what is called ‘Artificial Ripening’ methods, done to extend the shelf life and make them appear increasingly visually appealing. While it serves its purpose, it is important to know that it takes a toll on the consumer’s health and compromised food safety.
In April 2025, public concern surged in India following a video showing farmers dipping freshly harvested tomatoes into chemical solutions to achieve a glossy red colour, went viral. The incident has drawn attention to the widespread malpractice of artificial ripening and has prompted renewed discussions on consumer safety and food integrity.
This blog explores the science behind fruit ripening, the risks of artificial methods and global regulations.
What is Artificial Ripening?
Artificial ripening refers to the artificial induction of ripening in fruits and vegetables using chemical agents. These agents mimic the natural ripening hormone—ethylene, but may introduce harmful residues or modify the fruit’s chemical profile in unsafe ways. The most commonly used chemical agents include:
- Calcium carbide (commonly known as “masala”)
- Ethephon (a pesticide, sometimes misused for ripening)
- Ethylene gas (approved under controlled conditions)
These are particularly used during long distance transport or to meet early market demands. While ethylene gas is allowed under regulation, the other agents especially calcium carbide and oxytocin pose significant health hazards.
Understanding the Science behind Fruit Ripening
Fruit Ripening refers to the process by which fruits transform from unripe to ripe state, making them palatable and more desirable in quality and colour.
Fruits are generally categorized into:
- Climacteric fruits (e.g., mangoes, bananas, papayas) which continue to ripen after harvest due to natural ethylene production.
- Non-climacteric fruits (e.g., grapes, citrus, strawberries) which do not ripen further once harvested.
One of the most important component involved in this process is the Ethylene gas. An unripe fruit has low levels of Ethylene, but as these levels start to rise, the ripening process begins. After harvesting, the ripening process is sped up, which often makes the fruit overripe, and decreases it shelf life, and increases its vulnerability to pathogens.
Therefore, the artificial ripening process is often done for climacteric fruits, with the most common agents being ethylene gas, ethephon and calcium carbide. Although, the latter is banned in some countries due to safety concerns.
Regulatory Framework in India
FSSAI
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) strictly regulates the artificial ripening of fruits and vegetables to ensure consumer safety and prevent health hazards associated with harmful chemicals.
Prohibition of Calcium Carbide and Other Harmful Chemicals
- Calcium Carbide Ban:
The use of calcium carbide (commonly known as “masala”) or acetylene gas for artificial ripening is explicitly prohibited under sub-regulation 2.3.5 of the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restriction on Sales) Regulations, 2011. Calcium carbide releases acetylene gas contaminated with toxic arsenic and phosphorus residues, which pose serious health risks including neurological and gastrointestinal disorders. Its use is banned due to these toxic effects on consumers and handlers alike.
Permitted Use of Ethylene Gas
Ethylene Gas Approval:
FSSAI permits the use of ethylene gas as a safe and effective ripening agent under controlled conditions. Ethylene is a natural plant hormone that regulates fruit ripening physiologically. The use of ethylene gas is allowed at concentrations up to 100 ppm (100 μl/L), depending on the fruit type, variety, and maturity.
International Regulatory Framework
Codex Alimentarius (FAO/WHO)
The Codex Alimentarius Commission, established by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), sets global food standards to protect consumer health and ensure fair practices in the food trade. For post-harvest treatments like fruit ripening, Codex emphasizes that such processes must not leave harmful residues on food. To this end, Codex establishes Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for pesticides and other chemicals used in food production and post-harvest handling.
United States (FDA)
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates post-harvest treatments of fruits and vegetables. The FDA permits the use of ethylene gas for ripening and degreening under controlled conditions, recognizing ethylene as a natural plant hormone that does not leave harmful residues when properly applied. The use of calcium carbide and other hazardous chemicals for artificial ripening is not permitted, reflecting a strong emphasis on consumer safety and alignment with international standards.
European Union (EFSA)
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is responsible for scientific risk assessments related to food safety in the European Union, including post-harvest treatments. While EFSA enforces strict Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) for pesticides and regulated substances, there are no specific EU-wide guidelines solely dedicated to artificial ripening agents like calcium carbide.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) provides scientific risk assessments for food safety within the EU, including post-harvest treatments and potential contaminants. While EFSA enforces strict Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) for pesticides and regulated substances, there are no specific EU-wide guidelines solely dedicated to artificial ripening agents like calcium carbide.
Japan (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare – MHLW)
Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) regulates food safety under the Food Sanitation Act. The use of ethylene gas for ripening is permitted under controlled conditions, while harmful substances like calcium carbide are prohibited. Japan enforces strict Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for pesticides and chemical residues—aligned with Codex but often more stringent—and ensures traceability and safety compliance, especially for imported produce.
Advice for Consumers
- Examine the fruit thoroughly before making the purchase, by carefully observing the colour variation.
- Look for the texture and feel of the fruit before purchasing it. The texture of naturally ripened fruits is hard but yielding. Fruits that have been artificially ripened could be too mushy or squishy.
- Buy fruits only according to their season, and wash them carefully, before consuming it.
- Purchase fruits only from known, trusted and/or reputed vendors.
- Avoid fruits that have black splotches on it, since they might have been exposed to acetylene gas.
- Look for consistent ripening: Carbide-ripened fruits may show consistent ripening throughout the fruit, in contrast to naturally ripened fruits that may ripen unevenly. Be alert to any symptoms of fast ripening, such as fruits that move from unripe to completely ripe within a short period.
Why Choose Envirocare Labs?
With over 45 years of excellence, Envirocare Labs is a NABL accredited, FSSAI approved laboratory, also recognized by APEDA, AGMARK, EIC/EIA, and other national and international bodies offering comprehensive testing for fruits and vegetables.
We test for Ethephon to check for artificial ripening and ensure compliance with food safety standards. We specialize in the detection of pesticide residues, heavy metals, and ethylene oxide using advanced instrumentation such as GC-MS/MS, LC-MS/MS, and ICP-MS to deliver accurate and reliable results.
Backed by state-of-the-art facilities and a skilled scientific team, we are the trusted partner for food businesses, exporters, and regulatory bodies.
References
- https://www.news18.com/india/glossy-red-tomatoes-spark-health-concerns-after-viral-video-exposes-use-of-hazardous-chemicals-ws-dkl-9295337.html
- https://www.fssai.gov.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/Guidance_Note_Ver2_Artificial_Ripening_Fruits_03_ 01_2019_Revised_10_02_2020.pdf
- https://fssai.gov.in/upload/press_release/2023/03/640eb634762f0Press%20Release-%20Fruits%20English.pdf