Which chemical is commonly used for ripening of mangoes in India?

Asked 08-Mar-2019
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Chemical used for ripening of Mangoes.

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Calcium carbide (CaC2), a carcinogen, is widely used for the artificial ripening of mangoes. Using CaC2 for mango ripening results in serious health issues like neurological disorders, ulcers, hypoxia, memory loss, etc. The instability of CaC2 in water makes its detection complex. Identifying artificially ripened mangoes and quantifying CaC2 in such fruits help prevent related health problems.


Which chemical is commonly used for ripening of mangoes in India?

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In addition, the diffusion of calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) and acetylene (C2H2) into mangoes make it more challenging. In this scenario, an electrochemical CaC2 biosensor with a platinum (Pt) working electrode surface was modified by a ceria (CeO2) nano-interface and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzymes were developed.


The mechanism involves competitive inhibition of the Pt/CeO2/AChE bioelectrode by combining calcium peroxide (CaO2) and C2H2. Different aspects of electrode immobilization with the nano-interface were probed using cyclic voltammetric and amperometric studies.


The fabricated Pt/CeO2/AChE bioelectrode exhibited a LOD of 0.6 nM with a linear range of 1–20 nM and % recovery in the field of 97.89–104.82.

Which chemical is commonly used for ripening of mangoes in India?


Due to its nature, commercial CaC2 is consistently found to contain impurities such as Arsenic and other toxic and carcinogenic chemicals.

Few studies have only reported acute associative effects of CaC2, whereas there is only sparse evidence of its chronic and long-term impact. This article reviewed all the information on the nature of commercial CaC2 used for food processing.


Meanwhile, all reports on the acute effects of CaC2, such as skin burns, skin irritations, and inflammation, were summarized.

Despite reported acute cases, an increase in commercial CaC2 for fruit ripening has been reported recently, especially in developing countries, as many vendors may consider the toxic effects/risks negligible.

Therefore, this study highlighted the lack of research studies on the chronic impact of commercial CaC2 while proposing possible mechanisms for CaC2 induction in cancer, cardiovascular dysfunction, diabetic Mellitus, and others.

Furthermore, suggestions for further studies to unravel the chronic impacts of CaC2 on health and recommendations for viable alternatives of fruit ripening with minimal or zero toxicity were proffered.

Finally, other suggestions such as improving CaC2 detection technologies and innovative grassroots educational programs will strengthen national and international agencies to enforce restrictions on the illicit use of the toxicant for fruit ripening.

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Sarda Kumari
answered 21-Jul-2022 by Sarda Kumari