The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (“FSSAI”) has, vide a notification dated 28th March, 2018, informed that a Working Group has been constituted for developing a Standard Operating Procedure (“SOP”), which details the modalities etc. for use of Ethylene gas in artificial ripening of fruits.
The FSSAI has also invited inputs / suggestions / comments, if any, from stakeholders on the aspects which are required to be covered in the SOP, to be sent, before 31st March, 2018, to the Advisor (Standards) at:
- the email ID advisor@fssai.gov.in; or
- Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, FDA Bhawan, Kotla Road. New Delhi -110002
Background:
A provision relating to artificial ripening of fruits using Ethylene gas, at a concentration upto 100 ppm or ug/L (0.01%) depending upon the crop, variety and maturity, was notified under the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibitions and Restrictions) Regulations, 2011.
Various issues were raised before the FSSAI relating to the modalities of use of Ethylene gas for such artificial ripening of fruits.
Hence, the FSSAI issued this notification.
Please refer to the attached document for further details.
Source: Food Safety and Standards Authority of India