Question : ARTIFICIAL RIPENING OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES.



(a) whether the Government has approved some scientific methods for the ripening/growth of fruits and vegetables by using some chemicals/harmones including Oxytocin;

(b) if so, the details thereof alongwith the names of permitted agents;

(c) the preventive measures taken by the Government in this regard;

(d) whether the Government proposes to create awareness among the masses in this regard; and

(e) if so, the details thereof?

Answer given by the minister


MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD)

(a)to(e): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 386 FOR 20TH AUGUST, 2010

(a)&(b): The use of oxytocin for ripening/growth of fruits and vegetables is not approved. However, as per information provided by the Department of Agriculture Research & Education, certain other chemicals/harmones are recommended for use in fruits/vegetables. Gibbarellic acid and ethylene/ ehtophon are recommended for grapes and pineapple for induction of flowering/fruit development. Ethylen/ehtophon have also been recommended for use in the ripening process of banana and other climatic fruits. The use of these chemicals/harmones is, however, to be as per prescribed procedures.

(c)to(e): As the implementation of the PFA Act and Rules rest with State/U.T. Governments,the Commissioner Food Safety/Food (Health) Authority of States / UTs have been advised from time to time to keep strict vigil to check the use of carbide gas and other hazardous chemicals including oxytocin for ripening of fruits/ growth of fruits and vegetables and take legal action for violation of the provisions of the Act/Rules. The procedure for detection of acetylene in godowns or treatment chambers for detection of artificial ripening of fruits has also been circulated to all the States/UTs. The State Governments have also been advised to educate the public through mass/electronic media against consumption of such artificial ripened fruits.