The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has issued a stern warning to traders regarding the use of calcium carbide to hasten the ripening of mangoes, highlighting its dangerous properties and potential health hazards for consumers.

In a statement posted on Facebook, the FDA emphasized the toxicity of calcium carbide and condemned its use to expedite fruit ripening as both hazardous and illegal.

The FDA urged the public to report any instances of chemical ripening of fruits in the country, stressing the paramount importance of consumer safety.

This caution from the FDA was prompted by a viral video suggesting the use of calcium carbide by certain traders to ripen mangoes, necessitating public awareness efforts to differentiate chemically-ripened fruits from organic ones.

While conducting an ongoing investigation, the FDA clarified that there has been no evidence of mangoes containing calcium carbide thus far.

"The survey and testing are still ongoing alongside public education by the FDA on the hazards of using chemicals to enhance the ripening of fruits," the statement further elaborated.

Furthermore, the FDA discredited the credibility of the "floating test" method shown in the video, stating that it lacks scientific substantiation.

The statement also highlighted various factors, such as pest infestation by fruit flies and mango moths, that could cause fruits to float, underscoring the need for caution and vigilance in fruit selection.