Delhi: When shopkeeper talks about 'Masala' used to ripen papayas

Know how chemical made in China are used for ripening fruits and vegetables. Calcium carbide which is a strong reactive chemical and thought to contain carcinogenic properties is now being used to ripen fruits like banana. This chemical, when it comes into contact with water it produces acetylene gas that hastens the ripening in a more similar way as the natural ripening agent ethylene. Ripening using this process is harmful. It is the traces of toxic arsenic and phosphorous left behind on fruits by this chemical that is harmful to human health