About Calcium Carbide:
- It is a compound with the chemical formula CaC2.
- It is also known as ‘masala’ which is used as a fruit ripening agent.
- 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.
- 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
What is Artificial ripening?
- Artificial ripening of fruits is done in a controlled manner to achieve the optimum level of ripening before time which would be then accepted by consumers
- It also allows a longer shelf life for these fruits.
