Calcium Carbide

21.05.2024

Calcium Carbide

Why in the news?                          

             The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has alerted traders’/fruits handlers/Food Business Operators (FBOs) operating ripening chambers to strictly ensure compliance with the prohibition on calcium carbide for artificial ripening of fruits, particularly during the mango season.

About Calcium Carbide:

• It is a compound with the chemical formula CaC2 and also known as ‘masala’.
• It is commonly used for ripening fruits like mangoes, releases acetylene gas which contains harmful traces of arsenic and phosphorus.
• Manufacturing: It is manufactured by heating a lime and carbon mixture to 2000 to 2100°C (3632 to 3812°F) in an electric arc furnace.
• It has been prohibited as per the provision in the sub-regulation of Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restriction on Sales) Regulation, 2011.

Application

• It is used in mining and metal industries  as well as in the production of acetylene gas.
• It is a highly reactive compound and releases acetylene gas which is used to artificially ripen fruits.

Health impacts

• It can cause serious health issues such as dizziness, frequent thirst, irritation, weakness, difficulty in swallowing, vomiting and skin ulcers, etc.
• Additionally, acetylene gas is equally hazardous to those handling it.
• There are chances that calcium carbide may come in direct contact with fruits during application and leave residues of arsenic and phosphorus on fruits.

About Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI):

• It is an autonomous body established under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
• It is established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, a consolidated statute relating to food safety and regulation in India.
• Anyone selling or importing food in India requires a food license issued by FSSAI.
• It is responsible for food certification in India.
• It is mandated to specify systems for implementing its standards, accreditation of certification systems and certification of food safety management systems for food businesses.

 Work of FSSAI:

• It is responsible for protecting and promoting public health through the regulation and supervision of food safety.
• It sets standards and guidelines regarding food items and provides licensing, registration and recognition for food business operators.
• Its officials control food imports and ensure that it does not contain any harmful ingredients.
• It is also responsible for the accreditation of food testing laboratories throughout India.

                                                                                Source: PIB

With reference to Calcium carbide, consider the following statements:

1. It is commonly used for ripening of fruits.

2. It is a highly reactive compound and releases acetylene gas.

3. It causes serious health issues such as dizziness and frequent thirst.

How many of the above given statements are correct?

A.One Only

B.Two only

C.All three

D.None

Answer C