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.