India, April 11 -- The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) will start a special inspection drive across the city next week to check the artificial ripening of mangoes.

Artificial ripening of mangos using calcium carbide and sprayed ethylene in liquid form is prohibited. The practice is harmful to health and banned under the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSS), 2006 and FSS Regulations, 2011.

Dr Suresh Annapure, joint commissioner, FDA (Food), Pune region, said the order has been issued to start the drive from Tuesday.

"The FDA officials have also issued warnings to fruit sellers and traders to refrain from using calcium carbide for artificial ripening of mangoes or be ready to face stern action," he said.

To ripen mangoes, ethylene in...