With the implementation of the Food Safety and Standards Act, vegetable sellersu00a0 can no longer get away with using chemicals to colour and ripen your fruits and vegetables

The use of carbide gas and hazardous chemicals to artificially ripen and colour your fruits and vegetables will not be a routine affair anymore. With the implementation of the much-awaited Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA) in the state of Maharashtra from August 5, anyone found engaging in such activities can face a maximum punishment of life imprisonment, and a penalty ranging from Rs 50,000 up to Rs 10 lakh, said a Mantralaya official, on condition of anonymity.

He adds that according to FSSA, which repeals the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954, provides for the kin of someone who dies due to the consumption of adulterated food to receive a minimum financial aid of Rs 5 lakh, and in case of grievous injury, minimum aid of Rs 3 lakh.