Masala Carbide: The Hidden Danger Behind That Juicy Mango

It’s that time of year again — mangoes flood the markets, bringing with them the promise of sweet, juicy indulgence. But behind their golden glow may lurk a toxic secret: artificial ripening using banned substances like calcium carbide, commonly referred to as “Masala Carbide.”

What Is Masala Carbide?

While it sounds like a tasty spice blend, “Masala Carbide” is actually a dangerous shortcut taken by unethical traders to ripen mangoes faster. Calcium carbide, a chemical compound, reacts with moisture to release acetylene gas — mimicking the natural ethylene gas fruits produce to ripen.

However, this compound is banned for food use due to its severe health hazards. Exposure can lead to dizziness, headaches, nausea, abdominal discomfort, and even long-term neurological issues.

How to Spot Artificially Ripened Mangoes

Protecting yourself starts with awareness. Here’s how to identify mangoes ripened with carbide:

• Overly uniform yellow color: Naturally ripened mangoes have a mix of green and yellow shades.

• No aroma: Artificially ripened mangoes often lack the rich, fruity smell of natural ones.

• Powdery residue: Look for a white or grayish powder on the surface.

• Unnatural softness: They might be soft on the outside but raw and hard on the inside.

  
  

Why This Matters

The Telangana State Food Laboratory confirmed the presence of calcium carbide in mangoes collected from local markets. These findings echo what ChoosePure has been warning our community about for weeks.

Our own community-led tests revealed early signs of this hazard — well before FSSAI or media houses took notice. This is the power of proactive food vigilance.

What You Can Do

• Buy from trusted sources or organic markets.

• Soak mangoes in water for at least one hour before consumption to reduce chemical traces.

• Join communities like ChoosePure to stay informed and contribute to safer food habits.

  
  

🍋 ChoosePure is building India’s first community-led food safety movement.We’re not just testing products — we’re building a force of 1,000+ responsible citizens who care about what goes into our food.

👉 Join the movement today to receive alerts, reports, and take part in food testing.👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Share this with your friends and family. Together, we can demand better from the food industry.